The US oil company announced that, in 20 years, it has contributed 41 million dollars for combat malaria in Angola, the leading cause of death in the country.

Since 2003, two million mosquito nets and 1.5 million diagnostic kits have also been distributed, and around 600,000 health professionals have been trained, with funding from the oil company, the statement said.

"Since 2003, when it began production in Angola, ExxonMobil has been supporting local partners in the fight against malaria - a disease that can be prevented and treated, but which continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of Angolans," it says.

Over this period, the 20 years of funding have aimed to "empower communities, raise awareness and provide tools to save lives by preventing and treating malaria".

"We have worked tirelessly to fight malaria because the impact of the disease on our workers, their families and the communities where we operate is devastating," said ExxonMobil Foundation President Alvin Abraham, quoted in the document.

According to the statement, for 20 years ExxonMobil has financed dozens of partners working to promote community-based solutions in Angola, including PMI - the US President's Malaria Initiative, PanAfricare and ADPP Angola.

"Over the past 20 years, ExxonMobil has worked with these and other partners to support malaria education and awareness, expand access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment tools, strengthen health infrastructure and community engagement, and advance research and innovation," the statement said.

"It is our collective actions and efforts that drive real progress. We applaud our partners for their crucial role in empowering communities towards a malaria-free future for all Angolans," said ExxonMobil Angola's General Manager, Melissa Bond, also quoted in the statement.

Malaria is considered the main cause of death in Angola, as well as hospital admissions and absenteeism from work and school, affecting mainly children and women.