We all know that AIDS and cancer are two killer diseases against which the medical fraternity has been battling for years now. But did you know that a disease like Malaria, the cure of which was discovered about a hundred years back, is still one of the biggest causes of death?
According to the non-profit organization, malaria NO MORE (MNM), “every year 781,000 people die of malaria” and “almost 2000 people die in Africa daily from malaria”. The worst affected are children and they say that “every 45 seconds, a child dies of malaria”. Shocking, isn’t it? However, you can take heart because this organization, which was established in December 2006, is determined to root out this terrible disease from Africa by 2015. In fact, its dedicated team managed to bring down the number of deaths by 10% in a single year: from 863,000 in 2008 to 781,000 in 2009.
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Ways in which the organization fights malaria
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Providing mosquito nets
The organization is actively involved in the distribution of “long lasting insecticide treated nets” and provided funding for 32,000 nets which were distributed in the Okavango district of Botswana by the country’s government, Clinton Foundation and UNICEF. Besides Botswana, the organization has driven net distribution campaigns in Angola, Comoros, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. They also involved Twitter in the cause of mosquito nets and the American actor Aston Kutcher pledged on Twitter to donate 10,000 mosquito nets to the organization.
Engaging individuals, the public sector and private corporations to spread awareness
To spread mass awareness about malaria, the organization has roped in African and international personalities to campaign for their cause such as jazz musician Richard Bona and American singers, Akon and R. Kelly. They have formed networks with producers of the reality television singing contest American Idol and international corporations such as United Airlines to create awareness and raise funds for their campaigns. Soccer clubs such as FC Barcelona and a community of leaders such as the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), have also been approached by the organization in their fight against malaria.
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How can you help?
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Make a charity
You can contribute by simply donating or by buying and selling MNM items on their store or on eBay. Learn more by visiting their website.
Spread the word
If you blog regularly or are active on Facebook or Twitter then spread the message. Like their page, follow them or grab their banners.
Go event
From marathons to marches, get involved in their events to spread the awareness. You can even plan your own event.
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