Pierre knows that malaria can be formidable, so when he fell ill after playing for the national team in Gabon, he took it seriously. "It was a tough time. I was lucky to be able to get to a doctor in time to make a full recovery, but so many people don’t have access to essential medical care, especially children."

Though forced to miss several games as he battled enduring symptoms and dramatic weight loss, Pierre fortunately made a full recovery after being hospitalised for three days. 

In Gabon, 100% of the population is at risk from malaria. The disease continues to rank in the top causes of morbidity and mortality in the country. Across the African continent, malaria continues to have a crippling impact on economies and cause needless deaths, particularly in young children. It does not have to be this way. Pierre believes in a future where no child faces the dangers of malaria: "As a dad I find it totally unacceptable that malaria takes the life of a child every minute when it can be prevented, treated and cured."

Pierre has joined the Draw The Line Against Malaria campaign, starring in the campaign film alongside stars including Yemi Alade and David Beckham, calling on leaders to increase financial support to end malaria for good. "I am proud to be a voice for this campaign at such a significant time with big decisions ahead."

With exciting new innovations and treatments lined up and growing support for ending the disease that is holding back so many from reaching their full potential, there has never been a clearer time to make fighting malaria a priority.

Join Pierre and be a part of the generation that can end malaria for good – together, we are unstoppable.