"...But...why malaria?"

As I've asked friends to support me for the fast over the past month, the responses have run the gamut and I think reinforce the need to raise awareness about the reality of the situation. One friend asked me point-blank what I suspect others are thinking; "But D.J., why malaria...?"

Many of these caring and well-educated people are in the same place I was not that long ago. My progression on the malaria issue is perhaps similar to many others.

It starts with

"How big of a problem is it?"

Then you dig deeper, perhaps at the encouragement of a friend or an article you read on a flight home:

"The numbers are staggering"

And even informed with the most conservative of statistics and data, if you're at all like me, you're simply overwhelmed at the enormity of the crisis. This is further complicated by the enormous structural and systemic challenges in the affected regions - broken economies, governments, health care delivery systems, and so on.

It is tempting to throw up one's hands in frustration.

From my vantage point, that's what makes the Fast Day against Malaria so worthwhile. $5 can make a difference in one life, one village.

I don't kid myself that this is a long-term solution or even the best short-term solution but it does help stem the tide of death and decimation today, right now while many passionate groups and individuals work hard on the macro-level changes.

Please fast yourself of if you cannot fast, support someone who is by visiting:
http://www.worldswimformalaria.org/IFAM

International Fast Day Against Malaria is in Two Days

We've reached our goal for participants...but please sign up here if you can fast. If you can't fast, please donate.

Will have more updates from the fast on Thurs Night/Friday and over the weekend.

Thank you all for your support - D.J.

Tackling the malaria scourge (Nigeria)

"...Today, it is reported that at least 225 million Africans are suffering from the disease while 60 million in Nigeria suffer malaria attacks yearly. The total number of deaths resulting from malaria in Africa was also put at between seven to twelve million...(emphasis added)"

Read "Tackling the malaria scourge"in Nigeria's The Tide »

"Uganda Defies EU, Begins DDT Program to Fight Malaria" by Paul Driessen

"...The African nation of Uganda has announced it will defy European Union threats and begin indoor spraying of DDT to battle rampant malaria.

Malaria kills more people in Uganda each year than any other disease, including AIDS and tuberculosis, which typically receive more media attention. Malaria accounts for 40 percent of all illnesses and 21 percent of deaths in Uganda's hospitals. Every year the disease kills approximately 100,000 children under five years old in the country..."

Read on »

"Save Africans, Kill Mosquitos" Editorial in Washington Times

Editorial in today's Washington Times applauds USAID's funding of DDT usage in African nations plagued by malaria.

Europe hinders war on malaria

Africa Malaria Day provides the context and opportunity to reflect on progress made in the last year and on challenges still remaining in the battle against malaria.

Against this backdrop, Richard Tren of Africa Fighting Malaria details how the European Union is frustrating efforts to stem the tide of malaria in Africa.

End Malaria FAST T-Shirt Available Now!

Show your support by wearing the End Malaria FAST Black T-Shirt!

Get yours now!!!

Malaria Fast Just 7 Days Away!

Thanks to the generosity of many family, friends and colleagues, I have exceeded my personal pledge goal for the International Fast Day Against Malaria (IFAM) on May 11, 2006.

100% of the proceeds will go for protective mosquito bednets. Statistically, 20 long-lasting insecticide treated nets installed = one child’s life saved. (Source: World Swim for Malaria)

Clearly, more must be done to improve the delivery and planning of health care and other aid to these affected regions -- bed nets are a small part of the solution. They are nonetheless a positive step forward and help save lives while the efforts and energies of many committed to ending malaria focus on more long-term, systemic reform.

Read Roger Bate's op-ed "The World Bank and Disease Control: a Bad Combination" for more on this topic.

Thanks again for your help. I'll report in to let you know how the Fast goes.

Malaria Scores a Three-Pointer

Roger Bate of Africa Fighting Malaria reports in TCS Daily on the Dunk Malaria event held on March 15th during a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

Hip-hop legend Fab Five Freddy and Dunk Malaria Founder Lance Laifer were on hand to help raise awareness about malaria.

Read "Malaria Scores a Three-Pointer" »