| Mark Conard |
 | Mark ConardHutchinson KS45 friends | 6 groupshttp://www.umcommunities.org/markconardLast Login: 10/24/2009view full profile |  RSS |
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:09 pm | 5 comments | 272 views
World Malaria Day 2008
by Mark Conard
A year or so ago, I didn't know there was such a thing as "World Malaria Day" (or "Africa Malaria Day," as it was then called). It takes place on April 25, as it has since 2001 when it was established. The date was chosen by African governments committed to rolling back malaria, which is a truly dreadful but highly preventable disease.
I learned something about the impact of malaria during a visit to Zimbabwe with the United Methodist Commission on Communications in January 2007. One of the realities that we encountered was that people simply cannot afford the $10.00 cost of a treated bed net, no matter how effective it might be in preventing malaria.
That is why it was so exciting to learn about the “Nothing But Nets” campaign, in which the people of The United Methodist Church are partnered with a variety of agencies committed to combating malaria “one net a time.”
This year, with exactly one month to go before “World Malaria Day 2008,” I want to invite whoever reads this to make a contribution to “Nothing But Nets.” You only have to give $10.00 to make possible one bed net, which will literally be a lifesaver for a child, a youth, or perhaps a family.
I will personally give $10.00 for “Nothing But Nets” for everyone who lets me know between now and then of their gift! (This is only valid for the first 100 people who let me know!)
I will be at General Conference on April 25 in Fort Worth, Texas, on “World Malaria Day.” One of the ways I plan to observe the occasion is wearing the Africa shifrt that I bought in Mutare when we were there. You will be able to see me coming!
Let’s make a difference in the lives of the poor and vulnerable—no matter where they live in the world!
Make a gift! Send a net! Save a life! How cool is that!?!?
| Comments |
| Here is information about the treated bed nets, taken from the "Nets Save Lives" page on the "Nothing But Nets" web site: "Currently, nets are treated with pyrethroid insecticides. These insecticides have very low levels of toxicity to humans, but are highly toxic to insects. By repelling the mosquitoes, a bed net can protect other people in the room outside the net. When enough nets are used in an area, the insecticide used in the net fabric makes entire communities safer even for those individuals who don’t have nets." by Mark Conard | |
| Mark! I'm taking you up on your challenge. Thanks for reminding me. Keep doing good works.by Lance Carrithers | |
| Dad - Thanks for the reminder. I donated $10. :)by Andrew Conard | |
| Thanks for the info! $10 - one net or $10 - a trip to the movies. I feel better about buying the net!by Kristin Conard | |
| 4 nets from TNby bart stewart |