World Malaria Day brings us one step closer to our goal

This weekend, thousands of people around the world are showing their commitment to ending malaria deaths by 2015 by Sleeping Out, sending nets, throwing fundraisers, and spreading the buzz about malaria prevention. Sunday, April 25, is World Malaria Day – and just in time for this annual day of recognition for t

This announcement comes just days after a progress report from Roll Bhe cause, the World Bank has made an astounding commitment of their own: they are pledging $200 million to provide people in sub Saharan Africa with bed nets.ack Malaria stated that we are making an impact with net distributions, but that there is still a long road ahead. The report claims that 350 million nets are needed for universal coverage. WHO’s pledge is in part due to a call for action from the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Malaria, Ray Chambers. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has pushed for a global goal of ending malaria deaths by 2015, with a supplemental goal of providing people at risk of malaria with malaria control interventions by the end of this year. 

And that’s not all: the White House has released a six-year strategy to combat malaria globally through the use of prevention and treatment plans, and coordination with other countries and organizations.

So far, you have helped Nothing But Nets and the UN deliver more than three million nets in the last three years to families in Africa – and that’s quite an achievement. Overall, 200 million nets have been delivered in Africa. But we aren’t there yet – and it’s important to keep up our momentum and to keep sending nets and saving lives. Just $10 purchases a net, and covers the cost of its distribution and educating a family on its use. 

Earlier this week, with United Against Malaria and some of our champions, we presented a message to Congressional leaders with the signatures of thousands of people like you, asking for more support from world leaders to achieve our goal of ending malaria by 2015. Your voices have been heard. The Senate has already passed a resolution in honor of this World Malaria Day, and they recognize the importance of raising awareness and funds for malaria prevention. You are a vital part of that.

So this weekend, whether you are sleeping out, spreading the buzz or sending a net, thank you. We are united against malaria.