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Why malaria? | Why bed nets? | Why World Vision? | Why you?
Why malaria?
Malaria kills more than 2,000 children each day. Hitting Africa the hardest, malaria is one of the leading causes of death for children under 5 in the developing world, resulting in approximately 750,000 child deaths per year. (1) Pregnant mothers and babies are particularly vulnerable. Every year, malaria is responsible for as many as 10,000 maternal deaths (2) and results in maternal anemia, spontaneous abortions, neonatal deaths, and low birth-weight babies.
Malaria has a significant economic impact. Malaria seriously affects Africa’s economy, costing $12 billion every year in lost economic productivity and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. It could be controlled for a fraction of that amount.
Malaria and AIDS intersect. In 2007, malaria and AIDS together took more than 3 million lives. And there is increasing evidence that where they occur together, malaria and HIV infections interact.
Malaria is an injustice. Although it was eradicated in the United States 60 years ago, malaria is still a leading cause of death for children around the world. Malaria afflicts primarily the poorest populations who tend to live in malaria-prone areas and lack access prevention and treatment tools. Poor nutrition makes children and adults even more vulnerable. According to the World Food Programme, 57 percent of malaria deaths are compounded by under-nutrition. (3)
Why bed nets?
Bed nets are effective. The latest insecticide-treated bed nets are a very effective way to prevent mosquito bites. In sub-Saharan Africa, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets could potentially prevent 1 million child deaths. (4) Studies show that when villagers sleep under a treated net, malaria incidence is reduced up to 50-60 percent. (5)
Bed nets are inexpensive. They cost less than $10 and can last up to four years.
Why World Vision?
We are on the ground. World Vision works in 62 malaria-endemic countries, 23 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa, and we are experienced in providing malaria prevention and treatment solutions in local communities. Our 77,000 trained volunteer caregivers can assist with malaria interventions on the frontlines.
We are leading the way. World Vision is a leader on this issue. We are gathering a movement of passionate individuals to join us in raising awareness about this threat to children and calling on the U.S. government and private sector to put forth more funding to fight malaria.
Why you?
Your voice is valuable. You can speak out and tell government leaders to increase funding to fight malaria. Grassroots advocacy is effective. Great change is driven by passionate, committed individuals, like you.
You can make an investment. Just a few dollars saves a child’s life from this top killer. Invest in one of these children today.
You can tell others. Most individuals learn about these important issues from their friends. Word of mouth is the best way to spread the message. World Vision’s Night of Nets program is a way for you and your group to creatively take action against malaria by generating action and funding for the cause.
Be part of the generation that ends malaria.
Sources
- WHO World Malaria Report, 2008
- WHO Malaria in Pregnancy
- WFP World Hunger Series, 2007
- Roll Back Malaria: The Cochrane Collaboration; American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 68(Suppl 4), 2003 pp. 23-29
- Lengler, C. “Insecticide-treated bed nets and curtains for preventing malaria (review).” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004. 2. pp. 1-47;
