World Malaria Day 2009…and everyday
The fight to end malaria got some popular attention recently when CNN and Ashton Kutcher had a competition on Twitter to see who would get the most followers. Ashton Kutcher won, and CNN Worldwide had to fork out $100,000 to UNICEF for mosquito nets to help protect people from contracting malaria. In an article posted in UNICEF’s website, Ann M. Veneman explains, “These new donations will help deliver–insecticide treated nets to children at risk from this deadly disease, and will save lives.” (click HERE for article).
Yesterday, April 26, 2009 was 2nd annual World Malaria Day. The name was changed in 2007 from Africa Malaria day in order to address malaria as a global problem, however, over 85% of malaria cases are within the content of Africa.
One of the simplest things to do is to purchase an insecticide treated mosquito net. A friend of mine shared this link in her facebook status yesterday.
World Vision– DONATE to Malaria Prevention
You may also check these resources for more information regarding malaria and to make donations.
IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies)
UNICEF– MALARIA NO MORE CHALLENGE
World Health Organization (WHO)
PRESIDENT’S MALARIA INITIATIVE (PMI)
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation– WORLD MALARIA DAY