Support Malaria Day: The Fight against Mosquitoes

Those Fighting Mosquitos

“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.” Anita Roddick, OBE

Malaria Day: Fighting those pesky Mosquitoes
It might be hard to believe that, every year, those pesky little buggers claim almost a million lives and give 500,000 (1/2 billion) people a nasty bout of malaria in 109 nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Malaria is not new to the planet; those of us who have lived in tropical climates can attest to having experienced the painful sting of a mosquito bite, the itching, aches and pain, high fever that follows and days spent swallowing those incredibly bitter tasting malaria pills.

What is new is that today April 25, 2009, we celebrate World Malaria Day and bear witness to a full scale global battle waged against mosquitoes. The UN’s Millennium Development Goals include a 2010 deadline to provide “effective and affordable malaria treatment” to people in affected countries. The effort to contain and eventually eradicate malaria and disease carrying mosquitoes worldwide is commendable; the good news is that it is feasible.

What do they need? The organizers of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership need funds to procure adequate supplies of treated mosquito bed nets (700+ M); oral medicinal treatments (200M); and indoor sprays for 200M homes. They also need help to provide 1.5 billion diagnostic testing for people in 109 key nations.

How can you help? Three ways: You can make a donation. Make it a priority matter (if you are in an endemic area), by bringing attention to the effort in your region. Include it in your corporate strategy for community giving/involvement.

While writing this piece, I was pulled back in time to a nasty episode I had with malaria many moons ago. My father had passed away, and I spent some time in my native country with my family and friends mourning him.

I do recall that I took the requisite malarial pills but they were useless against the mosquito bites and I spent a good week battling ferocious fevers and related ailments. I found out, after the fact, that one must start taking the pills before arriving in the host country; a safer precaution.

I was lucky. I had excellent medical care. Many others worldwide still don’t and that is why it is imperative that we all act – even in the smallest way. Families who have lost a loved one to the disease will thank you… and so will I. Thank you!

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank