Nothing But Nets: Fight Malaria in Africa

Nothing But Nets is an organization that provides African villagers "incesticide-treated bed nets" that protect them from malaria mosquitoes. A little more about malaria:

[Malaria] is a self-perpetuating problem with large-scale impact on societies and economies. Malaria accounts for up to half of all hospital admissions and outpatient visits in Africa. In addition to the burden on the health system, malaria illness and death cost Africa approximately $12 billion a year in lost productivity. The effects permeate almost every sector. Malaria increases school absenteeism, decreases tourism, inhibits foreign investment, and even affects the type of crops that are grown.

Since many of the people who are most vulnerable live on less than $1 per day, a $10 mosquito net is a bit pricey. These nets alone could, according to NBN, reduce total cases of malaria by 50 percent. Nothing But Nets gives individuals and organizations several ways to purchase nets for the villagers who need them.

Here's what's really cool: NBN's five founding partners are Malaria No More, Sports Illustrated, the United Nations Foundation, The United Methodist Church, and NBA Cares. I'm so happy that two of my favorite organizations are partnering for such a good cause.

To be precise, "The People of The United Methodist Church" are listed as a Nothing But Nets partner. To be frank, most of "the people of" the UMC have never heard of this organization. I work for a denominational agency and have regular contact with national church leaders, and I hadn't heard of NBN before yesterday. So, I'll spread the word, and I'll leave the Nothing But Nets sticker on my site indefinitely.