Hitchin's new MP Alistair Strathern met with national campaign group Malaria No More UK to discuss the role British science can play in helping to end the preventable disease.

The charity launched its nationwide campaign 'Finish the Job' at the start of the year, hosting events across the UK, with the latest taking place in Hitchin High Street on Thursday, August 1. 

Mr Strathern took part in a mosquito-themed tin can alley game, launching mosquito nets at cans emblazoned with the insects - a light-hearted way to demonstrate the importance of hitting the target accurately with the right scientific and medical tools.

Alistair Stathern MP supports Malaria No More UKAlistair Stathern MP supports Malaria No More UK (Image: Malaria No More UK)

He said: "The UK has an important role to play in supporting the fight to end malaria.

"Hearing from residents in Hitchin today has shown their pride in the power of British science to save lives around the world, and I hope that with the right combination of action, we can end malaria in our lifetimes."

British science and research have led the way in the malaria fight, developing breakthrough tools such as the first ever malaria vaccines, with 12 million lives saved and two billion malaria cases prevented since 2000.

Alistair Stathern took part in the games at the Malaria No More UK tentAlistair Stathern took part in the games at the Malaria No More UK tent (Image: Malaria No More UK)

Innovations can be found across the nation, from next generation insecticide treated nets in Liverpool, to the revolutionary anti-malarial drug developed in Dundee.

However, growing challenges such as limited funding, drug resistance and climate change are jeopardising crucial progress made to end the deadly disease.

The charity believes a renewed effort is needed to get the fight against malaria back on track and the combined support of local scientists and parliamentary champions in Hitchin and across the nation is vital to ending malaria.

Dr Astrid Bonfield, CEO of Malaria No More UK, added: "The UK has a proud history in fighting global infectious diseases like malaria and pioneering science, research and innovation.

"There is no shortage of talent amongst British scientists and the research taking place at their institutions can save lives around the world.

"Our science institutions urgently need continued investment in this research to be able to develop innovative new tools which finish the job and end malaria for good."