Prevent Malaria in Sierra Leone with Mosquito Nets

Have you ever been bitten by mosquitoes? They can be very irritating as you can see from this video - Rugiatu's experience.

The bite area itches terribly – making you miserable and unhappy.  I have seen people, in an effort to find relief, almost uncontrollably scratch this area with their finger nails until it results in bleeding. Not good.  Not to talk about the ever-present threat on contracting malaria.

In Sierra Leone right now, everyone is more eager than ever to stay well.  The one good outcome from this Ebola outbreak is that people are more health-conscious than ever before.

The assistance that we are together providing is so very appreciated - at this time -  as it helps people stay well - free from malaria.  

In the video, you can see Rugiatu's joy as she receives the new net that YOU helped provide.  She is now safe from irritating mosquito bites, thanks to her new mosquito net.

Health is wellness and happiness.  Happiness is Zero mosquito bites.  You have made Rugiatu happy and she can now play and have fun with her friends.

Links:

• Rugiatu is happy - no more irritating bites

Did you know that the 25 April is marked as World Malaria Day each year?  This is because the impact of malaria is still significant - and is an attempt to help focus attention to it.  Fortunately, since you are reading this, you are already aware of this problem and helping to make malaria history!

This year, a group did a study on the countries most affected by the mosquito-transmitted disease.  They found out that despite the fact that "malaria mortality rates have diminished by 42% since 2000, the disease caused an estimated 627,000 deaths in 2012 only", according to the World Health Organization.  This is a significant number of deaths!  The study also observed the following:

• Children and pregnant women are the worst affected, and over 80% of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa among children under five.
• Malaria is one of the most serious public health problems in Sierra Leone, according to the WHO.
• It is the most common cause of illness and death in the country, accounting for about 50% of outpatient visits and 38% of admissions.
• Malaria-related illnesses contribute to 38% and 25% of child and all-ages mortality rates, respectively.
• Sierra Leone's government has identified malaria as an illness of high priority, and various organs of the government, including the Ministry of Health, are undertaking all efforts possible to reduce the incidence of malaria, UNICEF said.

With all this confirms the vital necessity to do what we are doing together - providing the much needed nets to prevent the spread of this disease.  Thankfully, with YOUR support, we have provided thousands of nets over the past years - helping to save many lives from sickness and possible death.  

The beneficiaries that have received nets through your support - such as the ones pictures - are ever so grateful for the provision of these nets as it eliminates their exposure at the most crucial time of the day - when they are asleep at night.  Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT - many of the under 5 children who are most at risk are now able to sleep safe and sound.  All this would not have been possible without your support.

The facts clearly indicate that there are still many, many lives at risk.  YOUR HELP is essential and will make the difference between one or more lives being able to live through another month.  

At least 500 families are at risk - sleeping with no nets or with damaged, torn nets - in the Wellington community.  We need to provide each family with 2-3 nets. We need YOUR help. Can you help us provide this life-preserving gift to them today?  

Your donation of $10 will provide one net - helping us this essential protection to one more child.  Thanks so much for your support!  On behalf of the grateful families - THANK YOU!

Make a donation today!

Links:

• Top Five Countries Most Affected by Malaria
• Malaria - one of most serious public health problems in SL
• Malaria facts