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.

Yet malaria is a disease that is both preventable and treatable. Insecticide treated bed nets, anti-malarial medications and health education can effectively control the spread of malaria and save millions of lives.

The United Methodist Church has made a commitment to work toward preventing the spread of malaria and other diseases of poverty. The following are some of the programs already supported by the people of The United Methodist Church as part of our response to malaria as a disease of poverty.

Nothing But Nets Campaign

Launched in March 2006, the Nothing But Nets Campaign is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria through the distribution of insecticide-treated nets. Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly challenged his readers to donate $10 for the purchase of an anti-malaria bed net, and thousands of people have joined the campaign.

The people of The United Methodist Church, along with The United Nations Foundation, Sports Illustrated and NBA Cares, are founding partners in this effort. The United Nations Foundation operates this program through its established networks such as the Measles Initiative and the UN Refugee Agency.

To date, Nothing But Nets has raised more than $20 million; by the end of 2008, the campaign will have distributed more than 2 million nets across Africa. A donation of $10 to Nothing But Nets covers the cost of purchasing a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net, distributing it and educating communities on its use.

Learn more about the Nothing But Nets campaign
Donate to this campaign
Get resources to help your congregation raise money for this campaign
Show your support as well as send a net by purchasing Nothing But Nets t-shirt

Community-based Malaria Control Initiative

United Methodists are working to stamp out malaria, one community at a time through the United Methodist 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.

This program includes community training and education about how to prevent sickness, medications such as anti-malarial drugs, and insecticide-treated nets for pregnant women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to malaria.

The program was launched in Sierra Leone in 2005 and is now operating in seven African countries. Organized by the General Board of Global Ministries, this program supports United Methodist and ecumenical health workers and hospitals as they work to combat malaria in their communities.

Learn more about the Community-Based Malaria Program
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.

Learn more about this vital communications outreach

Hospital Revitalization

The Hospital Revitalization Program assists United Methodist and Methodist hospitals and clinics in sub-Saharan Africa. The program assesses the needs of health-care facilities so that these centers can provide quality care to the many patients in need. In Sierra Leone, malaria cases can account for up to 60% of cases seen in hospitals and clinics, especially during the rainy seasons. It is vital that these facilities have adequate medications and resources to quickly identify malaria infections and effectively treat the patients before the infection becomes fatal.

Learn more about this program and donate online through the Advance