AN EAST Lancashire MP has taken part in an event in Parliament to raise awareness of malaria.

Graham Jones, who represents Haslingden and Hyndburn, marked World Health Day by taking part in the Getting Malaria? session.

Speaking after the parliamentary event, Mr Jones said: “This event inspired, engaged and thanked supporters of all political parties for backing UK action to fight malaria.

“Bizarrely, I came home from Africa recently and was accompanied by a mosquito hiding in my luggage. It was quickly squashed a few miles from Manchester Airport.

“It’s alarming to think it may have been carrying malaria.

“It gave me an opportunity to find out more about the transformational difference being made to millions of people around the world thanks to UK leadership and increased global action to save lives from malaria, one of the world’s most deadly yet preventable diseases.

“It is utterly devastating to know that malaria needlessly claims over 1,300 children’s lives every day.”