World Malaria Day

ERD and NetsforLife®

Today is World Malaria Day. Episcopal Relief and Development is one of the partners in NetsforLife® , a very effective program to combat malaria by distributing treated mosquito nets and training people in the proper use of the nets. Already malaria-related deaths have been reduced by an average of 45% across the NetsforLife®  program area. Details of their work so far can be found here. 

Here's a look at local volunteers instilling a "net culture" while distributing the nets, and shows how critical the Anglican Church is to the successful distribution of the nets:

Malaria is one of the diseases expected to increase as the planet warms. Supporting efforts to reduce malaria is an example of the sort of humanitarian effort the church can provide now and in coming years to help mitigate the effects of climate change. This map (from Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP-GRID Arendal) shows a prediction for the spread of malaria by 2050. Areas in red are places where malaria is not present now but is expected to be present by 2050; areas in gray are places where malaria is now present but where the climate is expected to not be suitable for malaria by 2050.

Through May 25, any donation made to the NetsforLife® Inspiration Fund will be matched, doubling the impact of donations during this time. Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief and Development, says this in the announcement of the matching gift challenge :

Joining together in the fight against malaria, through NetsforLife® and the NetsforLife®Inspiration Fund, is a great way for individuals and congregations to support the Millennium Development Goals and make a real difference in communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa. We are grateful to the donors who are providing the matching funds for enabling us to double the impact of every gift we receive by May 25 and continue toward our goal of raising $5 million by the end of the year. TheNetsforLife® program has demonstrated remarkable results year after year, and is truly deserving of the wholehearted support so many have shown.