Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Malaria Fast (IFAM) in Just Seven Days

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.