John F. Kennedy said in both his inaugural address and at the
time the stamp was issued, "Together let us explore the stars,
conquer the deserts, and eradicate disease." Kennedy's
invitation and challenge reflected the significance the United
States and other nations, eighty of which issued similar stamps,
attached to the objective of "A World United Against Malaria."
Its name derived from the Italian for "bad air," malaria has
cursed human history for more than 4,000 years. Civilizations
had struggled to control it long before 1632, when quinine
(cinchona bark) was found to be the first successful treatment.
Malaria has been virtually eradicated in most of North America
and Europe thanks to the use of insecticides and environmental
management, the very things which have hampered similar efforts
in Africa, Asia, Latin and South America. The 4-cent
commemorative Malaria Eradication Stamp was issued March 30,
1962, in Washington, DC. The design depicts the Great Seal of
the US and an adaptation of the World Hea