Partners in Zambia and Friends in Wyoming Fight Malaria with NetsforLife®
April 19, 2011
April 25 is World Malaria Day – a day to remember the nearly 1 million people who die each year from this disease. This month, Episcopal Relief & Development’s two web series, the Power of Partnerships and Friends of Episcopal Relief & Development, highlight grassroots efforts in Africa and the US to fight malaria through NetsforLife® and the NetsforLife® Inspiration Fund.
The Power of Partnerships this month celebrates the continuing success of the NetsforLife®program partnership in Africa. April’s story comes from Zambia, a country where malaria accounts for 40% of the deaths of children under five years of age. Belinda, a mother of six, received two malaria nets from NetsforLife® in 2008 that have kept her family malaria-free ever since. Recently, NetsforLife®’s Malaria Control Agents (trained volunteers) came to see how the nets are working and give her replacements for when they wear out. This follow-up is essential in maintaining the dramatic gains the program has made against malaria.
April’s Friends of Episcopal Relief & Development highlights the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, which has committed to raising funds for 5,000 malaria nets through the NetsforLife® Inspiration Fund – one for each of its members. To boost awareness and support for the effort, diocesan representatives recently coordinated a community event that celebrated diversities of faith and culture. The event opened with a Native American family drum circle and featured musical and dance performances, food from the African countries where NetsforLife® is active, and blessings from local Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith leaders.
The monthly Power of Partnerships and Friends of Episcopal Relief & Development web series feature stories about the agency’s partners in the US and worldwide. To find past installments, please visit our website. For information about our programs, or to make a contribution, visit www.episcopalrelief.org or call 1.800.334.7626 ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of The Episcopal Church and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development rebuilds after disasters and empowers people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
