Every person around the world deserves to live a healthy, fulfilled life, but malaria threatens this promise for many of the world’s most vulnerable people, including young children, women and refugees. Despite tremendous progress made, a child still dies nearly every minute from the disease. This is a historic injustice that can — and must — be stopped through collective action. United, we will beat malaria and create a healthier, more equitable world for all.
United to Beat Malaria, a global grassroots campaign of the UN Foundation, brings together a diverse set of partners, influencers and supporters across the U.S. and around the world to take urgent action to end malaria.
For more than 15 years, United to Beat Malaria (previously known as Nothing But Nets) has helped protect more than 40 million of the world’s most vulnerable people by providing bed nets and other life-saving tools, in addition to successfully advocating for increased U.S. leadership and funding for global malaria programs.
Despite tremendous progress made, a child dies nearly every minute from this entirely preventable and treatable disease. We know that a challenge of this magnitude requires individual and collective global action. That’s why United to Beat Malaria is rising to the challenge to equip and mobilize engaged global citizens and partners to raise awareness, funds and voices to advocate for a malaria-free world.
By coordinating closely with UN agencies, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the private sector and civil society, we channel and mobilize lifesaving resources to communities on the frontlines of the fight against malaria, prioritizing the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
We know that we need a holistic strategy to end malaria once and for all: That’s why we advocate for a full spectrum of innovative tools and strategies, increased political will and resources.
United, we can be the generation to beat malaria and create a healthier, more equitable world for all.
Since 2006, our campaign has helped protect over 40 million people from malaria, with priority placed on families who are most vulnerable to the disease. This includes young children, pregnant women, people displaced by conflict and natural disasters, and remote communities with limited access to health care. We are also committed to supporting frontline health workers who fight malaria in these communities.
Malaria is a historic injustice that mirrors the inequities in our society. Malaria disproportionately impacts those who are at the greatest risk of other major global challenges: poverty, the refugee crisis, climate change and rampant inequities in access to quality health services.
United, with our partners we can be the generation to beat malaria.
We all have a role to play to beat malaria once and for all. Our strength lies in our partners, from celebrity ambassadors and grassroots leaders to professional sports leagues, faith-based and civil society organizations, corporations, and foundations. By each doing our part — whether it’s raising awareness or funds, advocating to policymakers or amplifying stories — these actions will add up to tremendous collective impact.
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Two-time NBA MVP and Nothing But Nets champion Stephen Curry has pledged to donate three bed nets for every three-pointer he sinks for the last five years. Last year, Stephen didn’t just lead the NBA with 30.1 points per game in his historic season – he also broke his own three-point record that he set just the prior season by sinking 402 three-pointers – that’s 1206 bed nets! He’s revolutionizing the game of basketball and is leading the dawn of a new era. An era where kids of any size or speed can succeed on the court, and an era where no child dies of a mosquito bite. Join Steph’s team today.
Join Steph's TeamWe’re so grateful to award-winning actress Nia Long and her husband, San Antonio Spur’s assistant coach Ime Udoka for being Nothing But Nets champions! In their first activity as champions, Long and Udoka are asking fans and family to help protect children and refugees from the disease by donating to the campaign. You can make a difference and save a life by donating $10 to purchase a net for a child and family in need.
Send Nets for NiaIt only costs $10 to send a life-saving, insecticide-treated bed net to protect a refugee family from deadly mosquitoes. Anthony Tolliver donates three bed nets for every three-pointer he sinks during the NBA season, and one bed net for every child who attends his summer basketball camp. And he’s asking YOU to join his team in the fight to end malaria!
Join Anthony's TeamIn May of 2006, Rick Reilly wrote a single column that wound up changing millions of lives. In that column, Reilly asked his Sports Illustrated readers to send $10 each to hang malaria nets over kids in Africa. He invented, on the spot, the Nothing But Nets campaign, and still to this day continues to send nets and encourages his readers to join him. He raised $100,000 in the first week – and now, we’ve raised over $60 million!
Support Rick's GoalScott Wolf and his wife Kelley recently joined Nothing But Nets in a partnership with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to combat HIV and malaria in Malawi. Scott and Kelley are long-time champions in the fight to end these diseases and we’re so grateful they joined us on a recent trip to see mobile health clinics we are funding that ensure communities have access to testing and treatment. Learn more about this unique partnership here.
Join Scott and KelleyActress Alexandra Daddario recently joined Nothing But Nets and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in a unique partnership to fund mobile health clinics in Malawi that provide testing and treatment for both malaria and HIV.
In speaking with the team and community members she learned “over the past nine years things have really changed because of the health care these mobile health clinics are providing. This program is clearly making a sustainable impact on this community.” Join our partnership here!
Join AlexRuth Riley is a Nothing But Nets champion and general manager for the San Antonio Stars as of May 2016. She is a retired American professional basketball player, playing most recently for the Atlanta Dream in the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Support Ruth's GoalAmerican folk rock band Dawes has traveled with Nothing But Nets to Gihembe Refugee Camp in Rwanda and saw the devastating impact of malaria firsthand, and has also released an exclusive track for fans who donated to the United Nations Foundations’ Nothing But Nets campaign to help save lives from malaria. Their support continues through social media and fundraising support – and you can help!
Support Dawes' GoalThrough its Base of the Pyramid program, SC Johnson is also working to educate communities about mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, Zika and dengue and delivering low-cost, accessible mosquito-borne disease prevention products. In 2020, SC Johnson joined forces with United to Beat Malaria and the Mentor Initiative to help medical workers protect themselves from the virus that causes COVID-19 in one of the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to-reach regions: Nigeria’s Borno State. The company generously donated over 1,000 disinfection kits to Borno health facilities; the kits contained hand sanitizer, a concentrated disinfectant, disinfecting wipes, and easy-to-follow pictogram instructions to ensure safe handling and use of the kit’s components.
Click here to learn more.
Aptive Environmental, a pest control company with locations across the US, has a simple and powerful mission, Every Home Should be Enjoyed℠. As pest experts, they target pests so you can enjoy peace of mind. Over the past few years, Aptive has partnered with United to Beat Malaria because they are committed to helping protect families from disease-carrying pests.
To learn more about Aptive, visit goaptive.com.
Envu and United to Beat Malaria have partnered on two different IRS campaigns, for which Envu made in-kind contributions of Fludora™ Fusion and United to Beat Malaria provided operational support. These IRS campaigns are located in rural parts of Haiti and in displaced-persons camps in northern Nigeria and have protected close to 1 million people from malaria.
For more information about Envu, go to www.envu.com
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people — especially those with the fewest resources — have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
The Benito and Frances C. Gaguine Foundation is committed to trying to make the world a better place. Its activities include trying to improve the lives of people in developing countries through programs like United to Beat Malaria, and helping the needy in Alaska through programs like providing school breakfasts for kids and contributing to the Alaska Legal Services Corporation.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a membership-based nonprofit organization with over 200,000 young active citizens, ages 18-40 years old, with more than 5,000 local organizations in more than 100 nations. Engaging their global community, JCI has worked with United to Beat Malaria since 2008 to raise global awareness, voices, and critical funds in the fight against malaria.
Through a variety of fun employee engagement activities, the USLI community protects parents and children around the world from malaria. Recurring activities include a spring 5k and summer kids camp with age-appropriate programming for kids on malaria awareness. For more information on the USLI partnership visit: https://mailchi.mp/usli/care2fund
A global leader in the production of high quality, innovative bed nets to tackle insecticide resistance, Vestergaard supports key fundraising and advocacy initiatives to ensure strong funding for United to Beat Malaria and global malaria programs. For more information on Vestergaard visit: https://www.vestergaard.com/
Al Ansari Exchange is one of the leading remittance and foreign exchange service providers in the UAE. Founded in 1966, the company has established its presence through an extensive network of more than 170 conveniently located branches across the country to bring its services closer to its customers.
Al Ansari Exchange has established strategic partnerships with leading banking and financial institutions around the globe to reinforce its commitment to provide key financial services to its growing customer base. The company constantly introduces exclusive offerings and reward schemes for its customers, while maintaining a truly unique banking experience through its wide range of technology-driven financial services that cater to specific customer needs. Al Ansari Exchange employs a highly qualified and professional team of over 2,500 multinational employees, who serve more than 2.5 million multi-national customers per month in accordance with consistent level of service experience that meets and exceeds customer expectations.
Mosquito Joe is dedicated to one thing: getting rid of mosquitoes so you can enjoy being outside again. They also know mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance, they’re a real health problem around the world. That’s why they have chosen to partner with United to Beat Malaria through their MoJo Bites Back and Beat the Bloodsuckers campaigns. Mosquito Joe works in local communities across America to raise awareness of mosquito-borne illnesses and funds to help send life-saving nets to those in need. They are proud to be a partner of United to Beat Malaria in the fight against malaria.
Check Out Mosquito JoeThe Human Energy Company protects parents and children around the world to help families in communities where Chevron operates progress in work and school. For more information on Chevron, click here.
Partner since: 2016
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, providing assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. The IFRC vision is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.
*Nothing But Nets* and IFRC partnered to fight malaria in 2013, working together to distribute lifesaving bed nets in Togo and a refugee camp in Tanzania.
Launched in 2015 with a $30 million catalytic investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Malaria Zero is a consortium of governmental, non-governmental and academic partners–including the UN Foundation–working toward accelerating malaria elimination in Haiti and the Dominican Republic by 2020.
The MENTOR Initiative was established in 2002 as a purpose-built organization designed to strengthen the capacity of emergency focused agencies and national partners to implement more effective and coordinated action to reduce malaria related morbidity and mortality. The MENTOR Initiative is a charitable “Not for Profit” organization and works in collaboration with the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) secretariat, UNHCR, UNICEF, ICRC, IFRC, INGOs, FBOs, Ministries of Health (MoH) national malaria control programs (NMCP), as well as with a network of academic and commercial partners in countries experiencing humanitarian crises.
The MENTOR Initiative and *Nothing But Nets* have worked together every year since 2008, distributing lifesaving bed nets to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, including refugees and IDPs (Internally Displaces Persons).
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their peoples. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health organization. It serves as the regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is the specialized health agency of the inter-American system.
Population Services International (PSI) is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. PSI provides malaria control support to national Ministries of Health in over 30 countries worldwide. PSI tailors its malaria control programs to the unique environment in each country and the needs of the Ministry of Health in line with achieving the Abuja Targets and MDGs. PSI’s malaria control programs include delivery of insecticide treated mosquito nets, pre-packaged malaria treatment, behavior change communications, and operational research.
*Nothing But Nets* and PSI have partnered to distribute lifesaving bed nets in Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, and Cameroon since the partnership began in 2008. Singer, song-writer, and Actress Mandy Moore traveled with the campaign to Central African Republic and Cameroon in 2010 and 2011 to raise awareness about malaria.
The UN Foundation’s *Nothing But Nets* campaign collaborates closely with the Roll Back Malaria partnership (RBM). RBM was launched in 1998 by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank to help coordinate a global approach to fighting malaria. *Nothing But Nets* works closely with our partners at RBM to drastically reduce malaria deaths in support of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.
UNHCR and *Nothing But Nets* work together and have sent over 1,000,000 bed nets to refugees across the continent of Africa. UNHCR and *Nothing But Nets* continue to distribute lifesaving bed nets to areas of greatest need.
UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. It has the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. This makes it unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.
UNICEF believes that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. It was created with this purpose in mind – to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. UNICEF believes that we can, together, advance the cause of humanity.
*Nothing But Nets* and UNICEF began working together in 2006 on the campaign’s very first project and continue to work together in malaria endemic countries all over Africa to protect children from this deadly disease.
The UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, providing technical support to countries and monitoring health trends.
Every year, the WHO publishes the World Malaria Report to share data on the impact of malaria prevention/treatment interventions, as well as point out the remaining gaps to fill in order to reach the global goal of ending malaria deaths by 2030.
How long have you been a champion?
I got to know United to Beat Malaria in 2017, but I’ve been a champion since 2018
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Advocating for malaria is important because there is a huge gap between people who can make decisions and the information out there. I think that advocacy is giving those people the right information, why it was needed, and what progress was made. Having that data and information and being able to tell them this is how advocacy has helped us is important. Once I talk with my elected officials and once they have committed their involvement, they want to see the results and want to be involved more. People who are clearly suffering from malaria cannot advocate for themselves. These are huge economic and social equity issues. I think advocacy helps us bridge these gaps between where the money needs to go, who the money need to go to, and it also establishes commitment amongst stakeholders.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I think the very first time I went to Capitol Hill for Summit was a very memorable experience for me. You can talk a lot in these sessions and meetings leading up to Summit, but the moment that we went to Capitol Hill, met with members of Congress and left them with the data was different. That’s where I felt like I left them a package and they have made a commitment. Finally, when you see the results that we have raised this much money and got support from this many members of congress, that would be one of my favorite moments.
How long have you been a champion?
I’ve been a champion since 2017.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
I arrived to the US in 2016, so the whole system was very new to me. I come from a country where people are not represented in the government in the same way. That was actually what helped to create that relationship with my Congressman. He was interested as to why this person who just arrived in the United States 6 months ago would come to DC to talk about an issue that is not necessarily directly related to that person. Achieving this kind of relationship with the elected officers makes them prioritize meeting with you. All Congressman have a lot of issues on their calendar, but it means a lot when they want to meet with you. This makes malaria a cause that can truly save lives.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I was given the most outstanding champion award. When I was being presented with the award, they asked me, “how was your travel from Chicago to DC?” By coincidence, I was traveling on the same airplane as my Congressman. I saw him and he noticed me and he came over to my seat. People around me wanted to know who was this person that the Congressman came to say hi to. That was very memorable for me.
How long have you been a champion?
I’ve been a champion since 2018.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Advocating for malaria is very important to me because first and foremost, I am a malaria survivor. I experienced malaria back in my country. My family have been victims to malaria for a long time, and people are still dying from this disease. When I came to this country and found this organization, I asked myself what can I do here? I am going to raise my voice and help people that are still suffering. I will dedicate my life to advocating for malaria up to the end.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
When I was on the Hill speaking to my representative about my story, I will never forget the way that it touched them. They ask me many questions about malaria, because many people still do not know that much about it. It makes me really happy to see how people are touched by our stories and are willing to do something for people that they do not even know.
How long have you been a champion?
I’ve been a champion since spring of 2017 (5 years).
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Since I was a child, I have always been interested in infectious diseases, and specifically, those caused by the mosquito. The idea that something as tiny as a mosquito has such a profound impact on humanity and history is fascinating to me. I advocate for malaria because I refuse to accept that this disease, which is both preventable and curable, continues to be one of the deadliest diseases on the planet.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I have a few favorite memories – it’s hard to choose among them. One of my most memorable moments was meeting in St. Louis with Congresswoman Ann Wagner, who was involved in the creation of the Presidents Malaria Initiative. I was only 12 years old, and that was my first experience as a champion and a great introduction to advocacy. Another of my favorite moments was when I delivered the introduction for Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Organization and Senior VP of the UN Foundation, at Beat Malaria’s Leadership Summit Meeting in 2018. That was my first Leadership Summit, and I haven’t missed one since. At my high school, my most memorable advocacy moments were the two (and soon to be three) dress down days that I organized to raise money in support of Beat Malaria and the fight against malaria. Finally, reuniting on Capitol Hill in 2019 with my previous 2018 Capitol Hill Advocacy Day team (our “Dream Team”) – even just for a photo before we went our separate ways – willalways be a great memory for me!
How long have you been a champion?
I became a champion in 2020.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
I didn’t originally find malaria important if I am completely honest. We are very privileged to not be affected by malaria for the most part here in the United States. During my first summit, I learned so much about malaria and the way it ravages communities and bodies. In speaking with friends about malaria, I also learned how much the military community is affected by the disease in their travels and assignments. Additionally, shortly after my first summit we were struck the Covid 19 pandemic introduced us to the realities of how quickly disease is spread internationally and how aggressively intentional we have to be to prevent outbreaks or reemergence of diseases once eradicated. This combination of educational events has really led me to be more committed and involved in the fight to end malaria.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I always enjoy meeting with my representative’s offices and developing relationships and rapport. It was really awesome to see Rep. Austin Scott post information about World Malaria Day after a call we had last year and meant a lot to know that my representative truly listened to what I had to say. The trip to the summit in DC was obviously also a highlight to be able to meet with representatives in person and explore the Capital.
How long have you been a champion?
About 2 years.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Every person, no matter where you live, deserves to live a decent life. It is achievable to end malaria. It’s just that some countries are so exploited by global imperialism that they don’t have the resources. As someone with privileges to sleep without fear of dying of malaria, I would like for other people who are underserved to have this privilege as well.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
Wendy Dimas was so supportive in last year’s congressional meeting. They made sure that I felt confident in talking to the surrogate and gave me feedback afterwards. United to Beat Malaria staff are very compassionate and personable, which makes the advocacy sessions a fun experience. My meetings have always been virtual, and I’ve heard that the Hill has been slowly opening up, so I look forward to visiting the Hill in-person and seeing the big mosquito.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been with Champion since the Fall of 2019
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
I find it hard to live comfortably free from malaria in my country and not care about the thousands of people dying every day from the same preventable disease in other countries. Growing up in poverty gives me empathy for others who have to endure how sad, hard, and difficult it is to lack what you need to survive in daily life.
The loss of my 35-year-old daughter unexpectedly in late 2020 from heart disease has given me a new heartfelt concern to help advocate for eliminating malaria. Two babies die every five minutes, and my heart empathizes with these parents’ loss.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
Visiting the Capital Building in March of 2020 and meeting with senators’ representatives were memorable moments for me. It was memorable to meet other representatives of United to Beat Malaria from other states and countries as well. It was double-exciting to hear everyone share their personal stories of why it was important to them to advocate for malaria.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been a champion fighting malaria before Nothing But Nets started. I got involved seriously after the Declaration of Abuja in Nigeria and helped celebrate the first Africa Malaria Day in 2002. At that time, I was working with other organizations such as Roll Back Malaria raising funds for mosquito nets. In fact, in 2010 I was given an Award by an organization called the Gathering of African Legacies for that purpose. But I was recruited officially to NBN after the first summit. I do not remember the date.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
I have seen people get sick and die from malaria. Being a scientist who has studied parasitology, I know that malaria is preventable and curable and I do not want people die from a preventable disease. I also would like to be part of the generation which will see malaria eliminated or eradicated.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I have many memorable moments when I share my passion with member of congress or their staff and I see them interested, the most one though is the time we met Representative Karen Bass.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been a champion for 5 years
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
#1, Being able to have a voice and a platform to make a difference for families. #2, Malaria is something we can BEAT in our lifetime, why not now???
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
There are so many! There are several! I would say going to DC for Summits have been the most memorable! Being able to learn from industry experts about the latest trends, technology, research and preventative measures….especially learning about all of the progress that has been made. Going to Capitol Hill to advocate has also been very memorable and meaningful. My Senator recently mentioned that he thought of our meetings when he voted for a bill, so knowing I have a part in changing the lives of others is also memorable and rewarding. The icing on the cake is meeting new friends from all over the globe!
How long have you been a champion?
6 years
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
As a global citizen, it concerns me that Malaria continues to be a threat to our country and globally both in health and its economic impact. Our lives are as precious as we protect them. There are still no guarantees that anybody could be free from Malaria and its threat can continuously hurt our progress. I believe that sustained investment in health and malaria unlocks the potential of human capital to generate growth.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
Advocating for Malaria gives me a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with members of congress. Meeting a number of them at the Hill always gives me a sense of pride and responsibility to be able to talk on a subject matter seriously and oftentimes with sentiments. It happens a couple of times to me when I couldn’t help but get teary-eyed when discussing with members of congress why Beating Malaria is important for us. Also, being a part of the grassroots movement has allowed me to network with like-minded advocates.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been a champion since 2020.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Advocating to beat malaria is important to me because we are so close to being the generation that beats malaria for good! We have seen the advancements over the years that have been made in the fight. I am grateful to have the opportunity with my role with JCI USA to be a champion for United to Beat Malaria!
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I have enjoyed advocating for United to Beat Malaria because it is an issue that everyone can get behind regardless of your political party. It has been a great experience to be able to meet with my US Representatives and discuss the work being done. They are all very supportive and want to learn more. In these advocacy sessions, I feel like I am making a difference on an issue that continues to impact many throughout the world. The most memorable moment from my time was being in Washington DC in March 2020 for the in-person Leadership Summit (right at the start of the pandemic) where we all came together for the cause.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been a champion for 2 years
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Advocating for malaria is important to me because it helps to ensure the safety of our military as well as helps my local community stay safe. Growing up in Mississippi Malaria is not always at the forefront of our minds but we certainly have our share of mosquitoes and illnesses caused by them.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I got involved with United to Beat Malaria as part of a partnership that JCI USA has, the program has helped me understand how to better advocate for myself and others. It has been memorable to connect with elected officials and get to discuss such an important cause.
How long have you been a champion?
2019
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
A child that passes away due to Malaria is the reason that I keep advocating for this cause. It’s something that I never realized was still an issue in the world until I was the National Vice President at JCI USA over Partnerships and attended my first Summit.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
I cannot narrow this down because both years that I went to The Hill for Summit were life changing. Going to our nation’s capital and experiencing The Hill is something that every American should experience. Just being able to walk the halls of where we have our elected officials conducting day to day business is an inspiring experience and then meeting with your elected officials is an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been a champion since 2017.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Advocating for Malaria is important to me because of how deadly, yet preventable the disease is. If there is an opportunity to help those who are suffering, or could potentially suffer in the future, we should absolutely take it.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
A memorable moment from my time advocating with United to Beat Malaria was when I had the opportunity to lobby with an amazing team of scientists, professors, students, artists, and people who have suffered from Malaria at the House of Representatives.
How long have you been a champion?
Since Leadership Summit 2021
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
I am a proud auntie to four beautiful nieces and nephews… the thought of any of them losing their lives due to a mosquito bite is mind-blowing. United to Beat Malaria is saving lives and making real, positive change!
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
My first Leadership Summit was such a whirlwind but being able to “meet” (via Zoom) my own Representative and tell him why it is so important to support the Global Fund and PMI made me truly feel like I was doing the work.
How long have you been a champion?
I have been a Champion since 2017.
Why is advocating for malaria important to you?
Advocating for Malaria is important to me for several reasons. It seems incomprehensible to me that our innocent children have to die from a mosquito bite. My family is a military family, so I am also concerned about the risks our service members face. Then there is my personal exposure through my job. I have an international job and travel globally frequently, so the risk is very real and personal.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
One of my most memorable experiences when advocating was when I visited Lindsay Graham’s office here in Columbia, SC with my wife (who was also the 101st National President for JCI USA in 2021) and she ended up monopolizing the conversation because she personally knew one of the staff members (and several of their aquaintances) from the office. We also ran into Joe Wilson at the Christmas Parade 2 years ago in Lexington, SC. He took a photo with me, my son and wife. The following week in the mail I received an official US House of Representatives 8×10 signed photo and a personal letter thanking us for our work through JCI. Joe Wilson is a past JCI member and very supportive of our advocacy work with United to Beat Malaria.
How long have you been a champion?
My first summit was in March of 2017….so I’ve been a champion for over 5 years!
Why is advocating for malaria important to you
Malaria is a disease of poverty, inequality, and access. I have been fortunate enough to travel across the world as a professional airline pilot and I have witnessed firsthand the unfair and unequal conditions that people live in. We are very privileged and lucky in the USA to have resources and funding that allows Americans access to suitable shelter and medication which can prevent Malaria. Just as we deserve protection from this disease, so do the millions of other people who are born in areas with less access to good shelter and medical interventions. I feel personally responsible to advocate for those who don’t get to raise their voices to powerful political decision-makers and those who do not have the option to protect themselves and their families. It is easy for Americans to forget about Malaria because it is “not in our backyard.” But the reality is that until everyone is protected from Malaria, none of us are truly safe.
Describe a memorable moment from your time advocating with United to Beat Malaria.
During our first in-district meeting with our representative, we were so shocked to learn about how knowledgeable our Representative was regarding Malaria and global health efforts. We started the meeting with our personal stories and then lead into the United to Beat Malaria talking points. And then Representative Smith completely swept the conversation up to a whole new level. He educated us in our meeting! We were so impressed to learn about Representative Smith’s work with peacekeeping and how global health plays such an integral part in peace. He spoke about the refugee crisis, global travel, and of course the military. Our Representative is the Armed Services Chairperson and we did not expect this broad and in-depth response from him. The meeting really encouraged us and showed us that many decision-makers do truly care about global health and eradicating Malaria. This was the beginning of a great and long-term relationship with the office and we have been grateful to meet with the office ever since.
We all have a role to play in the fight to beat malaria. Learn more about this deadly disease, where it exists, and what you can do to support our work to end it for good.
Malaria is transmitted by tiny mosquitoes that bite at night – but it’s a big problem. Approximately 3.2 billion people – more than half the world’s population – remains at risk of this disease.
About MalariaBy encouraging members of Congress to continue its support for funding efforts that improve malaria prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and R&D we move closer to being the generation to beat malaria!
AdvocacyAfter everything that refugee families have had to endure, they shouldn’t have to fear a mosquito bite. Read the stories of the people you help when you support United to Beat Malaria.
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