Malaria is 100 percent preventable
Unlike many other diseases that are awaiting a cure, malaria was eliminated in the U.S. in the 1950s. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, malaria continues to kill a person every 60 seconds. But there is hope. Imagine No Malaria is part of a global partnership, and together with our partners, our generation can beat malaria once and for all.
What exactly is malaria?
Malaria is caused by a parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. This mosquito flies and feeds at night (which is why bed nets are an effective prevention tool).
When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and heads for the liver, where it multiplies. It then re-enters the bloodstream, attacking red blood cells. Typically someone with malaria experiences a high fever, chills, joint pain, and headaches. Left untreated, symptoms eventually advance to organ failure. Nearly 90 percent of malaria’s victims are children under the age of five and pregnant women.
Through partnership, we have made extraordinary progress
In 2007 the World Health Organization estimated there were more than 1,000,000 malaria related fatalities. By 2012 the number had been reduced to 627,000. While that is still a staggering number, a nearly 50 percent increase in life is worth celebrating. Thanks to the efforts of The United Methodist Church and our partners, we are on our way to beating malaria for good.
As a founding partner of Nothing But Nets The United Methodist Church has been fighting to end malaria since 2006. For seven years The United Methodist Church has built this grassroots movement to end malaria, resulting in millions of bed nets sent to families in need in sub-Saharan Africa. Together we have made amazing progress against the disease, but malaria still kills someone every 60 seconds. Just $10 buys a bed net, distributes it to a family, and provides education on how to use it.
Imagine No Malaria has taken it further.
2,300,000+ bed nets distributed
We have already helped reduce malaria deaths by half by improving the ways people fight the disease using bed nets, providing access to diagnostic tests and medicine, draining standing water, and improving sanitation.
4,600,000+ lives impacted
Building new radio stations and providing hand-crank and solar-powered radios will ensure we are reaching great numbers of people with life-saving information about malaria.
300+ clinics maintained
There are literally hundreds of hospitals, clinics, and health outposts operated by The United Methodist Church in Africa. We make sure these facilities have the diagnostic tests and treatment needed to save lives.
11,600+ health workers trained
We have empowered thousands of local health workers to train their communities about avoiding malaria. For example, in Sierra Leone, Angola, Zimbabwe, and Democratic Republic of Congo these workers have gone door-to-door to deliver and install bed nets and teach people how to properly use and care for the nets.
Take action
Individuals, congregations, and conferences across the country can help fight malaria through The Advance. 100 percent of gifts given through the Advance will go toward the designated project.
For more information, visit www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects
Imagine No Malaria Advance (#3021190) Education, prevention, treatment, revitalization, advocacy. For details, visit www.imaginenormalaria.org
Nothing But Nets Advance (#982015) Support United Nations agencies with malaria prevention and health system strengthening efforts. Procure, distribute, and educate about the use of bed nets in areas of critical need. www.nothingbutnets.net/
