STAMFORD, CT, April 25, 2007--The United Methodist Church's international mission agency marked Africa Malaria Day, April 25, with prayers and the release of new educational material on its comprehensive anti-malaria campaign.

The special observance came during the semi-annual directors' meeting of the General Board of Global Ministries, an organization with personnel and projects in more than 125 countries.

"Make Malaria History" is the new overall name for an initially Africa-focused effort to prevent and treat occurrences of the deadly disease borne by mosquitoes. Malaria affects 500 million people worldwide and kills a child, mostly in Africa, every 30 seconds. It can be prevented.

Africa Malaria Day falls on the April date when, in the year 2000, the heads of many countries in Africa made a commitment to actively fight malaria. This is the first year it has been widely observed in the United States.

The United Methodist anti-malaria campaign has three components that are described in a new 8-page brochure available online (http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/health/malaria). The three are:

• The Community-based Malaria Program now operating in seven African countries. Launched in late 2005 in Sierra Leone, the program provides training on basic prevention, medication and instruction on its usage, and mosquito nets, notably for pregnant women and families with young children.
• Nothing But Nets, a United Methodist endorsed project that provides nets and instruction on how to use them through the United Nations Foundations. Originated in Nigeria, it is expanding into other areas of Africa.
• The Interreligious Campaign against Malaria in Mozambique, a collaborative effort focused on the single country where The United Methodist Church is actively engaged in malaria prevention and treatment.

Bishop Edward Paup, president of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) introduced the new educational materials. Along with the booklet, which provides information on malaria and how it can be combated, a bulletin brochure for local congregations is available on UMCOR's web site.

Bishop Joseph Humper of Sierra Leone, in whose episcopal area the community-based program began, offered prayers for the eradication of malaria and for the families of those it affects. Malaria ends the productive work capacity of many infected adults.

An offering of $1,516 was received during the Africa Malaria Day observance.

Contributions can be made to both the Community-Based Malaria Program and Nothing But Nets through the Advance for Christ and His Church, the designated mission giving program of The United Methodist Church. The number for the community-based effort is Advance 982009; for Nothing But Nets, Advance 982015.

Online giving is possible through the Advance at http://resources.gbgm-umc.org/donate/. Enter either the program name or number.

Telephone gifts using credit cards can be made at (toll free) 800 554-8583; by check sent to UMCOR, P.O. 9068, New York, NY 10087 (write Advance number on memo line) or by placing a contribution appropriated marked in the offering plate of any United Methodist congregation.

One hundred per cent of every gift to the Advance goes to the designated project.

	See Also... Topic: GBGM programs |  Health |  UMCOR |  United Methodist Church |  Geographic Region: Africa |  United States |  Source: GBGM Press Releases
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Date posted: Apr 25, 2007