February 2010 - Imagine No Malaria: Nothing But Nets PLUS!

When a country is "blanketed" with nets, the change is dramatic, according to Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, who leads our denomination's efforts. In Rwanda there was a 55 percent reduction in malaria deaths; in Tanzania, a 60 percent drop.

 

But children are still dying from a disease that has been eliminated in many countries, so more must be done!

 

"It's a justice issue," the Bishop says. "Why are we allowing innocent children to die every 30 seconds when we have the capability of preventing it?"

 

He dreams of eliminating malaria by 2015. Through coordinated efforts by faith-based, secular and government organizations, that dream can come true.

 

On April 25, for World Malaria Day, a new United Methodist Church ministry, Imagine No Malaria, will publicly launch. Imagine No Malaria is our commitment to help those in need and eliminate death and suffering from malaria. The Bishop sees it as Nothing But Nets PLUS.

 

While providing bed nets continues to be a vital part of the solution, it will take improved education about malaria, communication and treatment to overcome this disease. Visit www.ImagineNoMalaria.org for more information and look for a preview soon in Western PA.

 

Meanwhile, get involved in saving lives! 

 

March Madness is nearly upon us. It's a perfect time to team up with others in your community, have fun, and "net" some contributions to sink malaria! Our Bishop and a Conference Nothing But Nets team encourage congregations to partner with a school, Scout troop, club, business or other community group to sponsor a one-time event to raise money for Nothing But Nets. It's a natural to tie it to the NCAA tournaments or World Malaria Day, so start planning now! 

 

Once you share the story of how a $10 bed net can save a life, people young and old are excited to get involved! Are you the person in your church who can get the ball rolling (or bouncing)?