Champion Spotlight: Jessie Elliot

My name is Jessie Elliot and I’m a Nothing But Nets champion living in Washington state.

COVID-19 has completely changed how we all live our daily lives. News about rising cases and deaths has become almost routine. But nearly half the world’s population has lived for decades under the threat of another deadly disease: malaria.

We should feel proud that the Seattle area is a powerhouse of malaria research and tracking. Between PATH, The Gates Foundation, WGHA, Tableau, Fred Hutch, UW, Rotarian Malaria Partners, and many more, eradication of malaria will happen, in part, because of the amazing work happening in Seattle. With all these great collaborators, why has one of the oldest diseases known to humanity still not been eliminated?  The malaria parasite is incredibly adaptable. This is why consistent and aggressive interventions are needed to overcome insecticide and drug resistance to finally defeat this disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that deaths from malaria could double in 2020 if programs such as net distributions and malaria treatment are severely disrupted from COVID-19. We cannot let the current pandemic compound an already deadly disease.

In recognition of World Mosquito Day on August 20, I ask you to join all the incredible Washingtonians working to end malaria! You can help by telling your Member of Congress that malaria eradication is important to you. Text the word “Champion” to 738674 to join this fight.