So why am I running, biking, and swimming 58.1 miles to raise money for Malaria No More? I think the short answer is I can't not (is that a double negative?). From 2006-2008 I worked for Malaria No More, and its founding partner, Millennium Promise. During this time I traveled to Malawi, and then Ethiopia, to visit program sites for Millennium Promise. To say it was an eye opening experience is an understatement.
While the United States has areas of terrible urban and rural poverty, nothing really compares to what you see in sub-Sahara Africa. In these countries millions of people live on the equivalent of less than a dollar a day, with little to no health care. A major factor holding back sub-Sahara Africa from advancing economically is malaria. 250 malaria cases occur annually. 1 Million people die each year. 3,000 children die each day from malaria. These statistics are as staggering as they are devastating, especially when you consider that malaria can be prevented with a $10 bed net.
I'll be writing about my experiences in Africa, and with Malaria no More, over the next few months, but I wanted get out up front why I'm so passionate about this project. Below is Malaria No More's most recent stakeholders report that recaps the work being done. Take a look, and I think you will be impressed.
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