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APLMA and APMEN extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Mr Leo Makita.
Mr Leo Makita dedicated 43 years of his life in service to ending malaria in Papua New Guinea. After studying entomology, parasitology, microbiology, and public health and graduating from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1981, Mr Makita began his career as a scientist working for the Malaria Surveillance and Control Unit in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea.
Over his decades in civil service, Mr Makita was instrumental in overseeing the role-out of improved malaria control tools including long-lasting insecticidal nets and in developing new treatment guidelines for the diverse malaria species present across Papua New Guinea. His knowledge and commitment earned him the position of Manager for the National Malaria Control Program at the National Department of Health, Papua New Guinea, overseeing malaria control efforts across the country.
Mr Makita was also an accomplished researcher, academic and mentor. He contributed to and co-authored 28 journal publications, shared his time and expertise at high-level forums including the World Health Organization Malaria Policy Advisory Committee, and was actively involved in the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network.
Mr Leo Makita was an early advocate for the 8th Leaders’ Summit and was integral in ensuring the Summit would be hosted in Papua New Guinea. We hope the success of the Leaders’ Summit next week in Port Moresby will honour his efforts as well as those of the many other malaria fighters and impacted community members across the region.
In Mr Makita’s words, malaria elimination is an investment not an expense. To ensure we protect our gains against malaria in Papua New Guinea and the world, we must invest to achieve zero malaria.
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