No one should die of malaria today

Three Indigenous communities in Venezuela will soon begin to effectively prevent malaria. Three thousand insecticidal mosquito nets—specially designed to be hammock-compatible—shipped from Swiss manufacturer Vestergaard’s factory in Vietnam in September. They arrived by container ship in Savannah, Georgia in December, and traveled onward by train to the port of Miami, Florida. Next port of call? By air to Caracas, Venezuela (see infographic).

The nets (see diagram) are poised to arrive to the shipping company’s Caracas headquarters by end of January. Project leader Egleé will be there to receive them and begin delivery, by flight and overland, of as many nets as project funds permit. She has lined up her preferred pilot, who is familiar with the communities and their difficult-to-land airstrips. A doctor committed to Indigenous peoples’ health will accompany her on two of the trips to help deliver much-needed medicines and medical supplies. He will consult with local clinic personnel like Samuel, pictured here, a microscopist in Kayamá for over 20 years.

Egleé will travel first to Betania de Topocho (a Piaroa community), then to Kayamá (a Jotï/Eñepa community) and to Caño Iguana (a Jotï community). Egleé will provide recipients with detailed information on the most effective use of the nets. She will also be able to collect the most current health data with the communities. This will inform local practitioners and their support team to develop future strategies to improve the local medical system. 

Egleé writes, “Please send all your best thoughts and prayers for the successful delivery of the nets and medical items! We hope to offer an account of all our work in a couple of months.” Meanwhile, to enable delivery of all the nets, we continue to welcome your donations! You can help ensure that all the nets reach their destination before the rainy season arrives. Contact susannah@global-diversity.org to make a donation by check, or donate online here.