Malaria Awareness Day

Observe Malaria Awareness Day—April 25, 2007
Skip a Lunch. Send a net. Save a Life.

What is Malaria Awareness Day?

At the White House Summit on Malaria, President Bush said he will designate April 25, 2007 as “Malaria Awareness Day” in conjunction with the observance of Africa Malaria Day. The purpose of Malaria Awareness Day is to raise global awareness of malaria and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to fighting this disease.

The United Methodist Church has a long-standing commitment to reduce the spread of malaria, and this is an opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate directly in fighting this disease.

How do I get involved?

We would like to encourage United Methodists to skip lunch on April 25 and donate the $10 instead to the Nothing But Nets campaign. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation challenge grant will match our contributions dollar for dollar, net for net.

We are also encouraging United Methodist churches to have a noon worship service that day with a focus on malaria so those who skip lunch can attend church instead.

In addition to supporting this life-saving campaign, we also will be covering Africa with prayer on this day. Join with Upper Room Covenant Prayer groups, staff of United Methodist Boards and agencies, and United Methodist churches around the world to pray for the children of Africa, for those suffering with malaria, and for global health. Organize a 24-hour prayer chain in your own local congregation or group, asking members to commit to prayer for a certain block of time during this day.

By joining our resources and prayers, together we can work to stop the spread of this preventable disease.