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United Methodist Community-Based Malaria Control Program Launches in Sierra Leone

by Michelle Scott

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2005— United Methodists are working to stamp out malaria, one community at a time through the United Methodist Community-Based Malaria Control Program which launched this week. The initiative focuses on the health of entire communities by addressing the factors which allow this mosquito-borne illness to spread. The program was launched as part of a five-day workshop on malaria, HIV/AIDS, and community-based health care in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Twenty-five participants from United Methodist health care centers in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone attended the event December 5-10.

A New Network

Workshop participants were so inspired that they formed the United Methodist Church AIDS Malaria Network in Africa (UMCAMNA).  Members pledged to work towards combating malaria and HIV/AIDS. A follow-up meeting November 2006 in Senegal will review the progress of their work.

The Rev. R. Randy Day, General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries, attended the workshop. Having spent this time with our knowledgeable and resourceful United Methodist participants from six African countries, reflects Rev. Day, I depart highly motivated to garner the resources rapidly to expand our efforts to halt this poverty-driven and preventable disease.

Starting with Sierra Leone

Malaria is an important issue in many African nations. This preventable disease kills one out of five children in sub-Saharan Africa. It not only robs families of their children, it also sickens, and sometimes kills, adults keeping them from leading productive lives. The program is launching in Sierra Leone, a nation that bears the brunt of malaria's burden, but also has a United Methodist community mobilized to act. The community-based program will work through the United Methodist Health and Maternity Center, Kissy, and will be replicated throughout Africa over the next three years.

How to Give

Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #982009, Malaria Control, will help support United Methodist efforts to stamp out malaria.  100% of your gift will be used for this advance.

By Offering

For local church and Annual Conference credit, put your gift in the offering plate on Sunday.

By Check

Make your check to UMCOR and mail to UMCOR, PO Box 9068 , New York , NY 10087

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Dr. Dennis Marke from the United Methodist Health and Maternity Center, Kissy, addresses workshop participants during the five day workshop on malaria, HIV/AIDS, and community-based health care.

Dr. Dennis Marke from the United Methodist Health and Maternity Center, Kissy, addresses workshop participants during the five day workshop on malaria, HIV/AIDS, and community-based health care. Credit: Cherian Thomas/UMCOR

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