Every 30 seconds, a child in Africa dies of malaria.

The World Health Organization estimates that each year 300?500 million case of malaria occur, and that more than 1 million die each year.

Although malaria is a global problem, about 90 percent of those affected by this preventable and treatable disease live in sub-Saharan Africa. One of every five children born in this region will die from malaria before they reach their 5th birthday. Africa is particularly hard hit because it is home to the species of mosquito that is the most efficient transmitter of the disease.

Although insecticide-treated mosquito nets can reduce the incidence of malaria by 50 percent in areas of high transmission, fewer than 5 percent of African children sleep under a mosquito net.

The United Methodist Church has launched several initiatives to help stop the spread of this disease, as well as partnering with other organizations like the United Nations Foundation.

Community-based Malaria Control Initiative

United Methodists are working to stamp out malaria, one community at a time through the Community-Based Malaria Control Program. The initiative focuses on the health of entire communities by addressing the factors that allow this mosquito-borne illness to spread.

United Methodist health clinics, schools, church buildings, pastors and members of congregations are being organized to develop a community-based model of malaria education, prevention and treatment that can be replicated in other countries. The program was launched in Sierra Leone, a nation that not only bears the brunt of malaria's burden, but also has a United Methodist community mobilized to act. The community-based program will work through the United Methodist Health and Maternity Center, Kissy, and will be replicated throughout Africa over the next three years.

Your contribution to Advance #982009, Malaria Control, will help support United Methodist efforts to stamp out malaria. 100% of your gift will be used for this Advance.

Support this vital health outreach

Community-based Radio Outreach

Community-based radio delivers life-saving information about better health practices, prevention and treatment to those who need it. You can support this effort by making a donation online to the United Methodist Communications Foundation. The proceeds will be used to purchase solar or hand-cranked radios and fund the establishment of community radio stations in Africa.

Support this vital communications outreach