Imagine No Malaria
Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. More than 200 million people are infected and 400,000 die from the disease each year. An overwhelming concentration of cases is in Sub-Saharan Africa, with pregnant woman and children under 5 being most vulnerable.
Through the distribution of mosquito nets, early diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and education and training of UMC health facility staff and community health workers, The United Methodist Church through Global Ministries’ Imagine No Malaria program has played a vital role in the reduction of illness and death from the disease since 2008.
Through various campaigns and long-term work in rural communities, United Methodist health practitioners in Africa have been working toward the goal of reducing malaria deaths and spreading affordable treatment options, information and prevention strategies across the communities most affected by the disease.
The East Angola United Methodist Health Board is on track to reduce malaria by 20% in nine communities in Malanje province in 2022. One secret of their success – teams of youth volunteers visit house-to-house to offer malaria prevention strategies.
The Lupandilo Hospital in Kamina, North Katanga, DRC, has recorded a 50% drop in malaria deaths over the past two years, a result of an Imagine No Malaria campaign that provides free nets, treatment and information for communities.