NetsforLife® Commemorates Day of the African Child

Jun 16, 2009

First initiated by the African Union, Day of the African Child is recognized internationally as an opportunity to take measure of progress toward the health, education, and security of all children on the continent.

To mark June 16th, 2009, the eighteenth anniversary of the Day of the African Child, NetsforLife® announces its continued commitment to mobilize over 30,000 volunteers and distribute up to 7 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets in 17  malaria-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. 

Supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation, Standard Chartered Bank, Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, Starr International Foundation, White Flowers Foundation, and NGO partner Episcopal Relief & Development, NetsforLife® implements integrated malaria prevention programming through a vibrant network of local churches, faith-based organizations and NGOs.
 
Malaria is one of the biggest killers in sub-Saharan Africa, with a staggering human and economic cost, which particularly takes a toll on children.  One child dies from malaria every minute in Africa and it is estimated that less than 5% of children in sub-Saharan Africa currently sleep under any type of insecticide-treated net. Transmitted through infected mosquitoes, malaria:
 
•        Infects 300 to 500 million people every year
•        Kills 3,000 children a day and nearly 1 million people annually
 
The most common cause of death from malaria among young children is the severe anemia that results from repeated infections. Additionally, infants born to women who had malaria during their pregnancies tend to be of low birth weight or premature, both of which decrease their chances of survival during their first years.

The distribution of one insecticide-treated net to a child can protect two other children sleeping under that same net.  NetsforLife® is proud to say that 2 million nets have been distributed in the countries where we work and of those distributed, 80% were delivered to children under five. 

When one net can save three lives, then over 2.4 million children benefit from distributed nets, attributing to better health and an increase in school attendance.

“The NetsforLife®  partnership strives everyday to improve the health and lives of families across Africa by giving them the information and tools they need to protect themselves from malaria” says Shaun Walsh, Executive Director, NetsforLife®. “On the Day of the African Child, we call on the global community to recognize the value of every child, the resource and potential of each life saved, and the need to fight malaria until it is eliminated.”
 
To find out more about NetsforLife®  or to  make a contribution to help eliminate malaria, please donate to NetsforLife® online at www.netsforlifeafrica.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 6359.