Novato Malaria Campaign

On Tuesday, April 29, 2014, the Novato City Council recognized the Novato Malaria Campaign with a special proclamation declaring the months of May and June 2014 as “Malaria Awareness Months” in Novato. 

Since late last year, the Novato Malaria Campaign has been spreading the word about the world malaria crisis and the local community’s effort to raise $53,301 to help win the battle against the disease.  (This odd dollar goal was established to represent every citizen in the city of Novato per 2012 Federal census projections.)  Focused fundraising is now underway; the campaign will conclude with a malaria-themed float in the Novato Fourth of July parade.  Other campaign activities include presentations to local civic groups; information tables at the Novato Farmers’ Market; and several Dine and Donate events at local restaurants.

The Novato Malaria Campaign recognizes that malaria is one of the most deadly preventable diseases still active in the world today.  While 90% of the deaths from malaria occur in Africa, nearly 2,000 cases of malaria were reported in the United States in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  Loss of productivity caused by malaria is estimated at $12 billion annually, and, tragically, a child dies of malaria in Africa every 60 seconds.

But malaria is preventable and treatable.  Treated mosquito nets, vaccines and drug treatments are readily available, and more research into vaccines and treatments is underway around the world.  The work of Dr. Roland Cooper at Dominican University in San Rafael is a local example of such research.

According to the World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report 2013, global resource requirements for malaria control were estimated in 2008 to exceed $5.1 billion between 2011 and 2020.  Current projects place the funding at approximately $2.85 billion, which is substantially below the amount required to achieve universal access to malaria interventions.

To help bridge this gap, dozens of national and international organizations have banded together in an effort to raise more funds.  The World Health Organization, United Nations, the President’s Malaria Initiative, and the Gates Foundation are but a few.  The Novato Malaria Campaign has selected four such organizations to receive its funds:  the ELCA Malaria Campaign, Nothing But Nets, Imagine No Malaria, and Malaria No More.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign is focused on education, prevention, treatment and sustainable lifestyle in partnership with Lutheran churches in 13 African countries that are hardest hit by the disease.  Nothing But Nets was founded by the Methodist church and is now partnered with the National Basketball Association, among others.  Imagine No Malaria, also founded by the Methodist Church, calls itself “nets plus” by working to improve infrastructure, communications and education in locations throughout Africa.  Malaria No More is a consortium of national business leaders with partner organizations worldwide, seeking to raise awareness of the disease, rally public support for the cause, and raise money for eradication.

For the full text of the City Council proclamation, and for information about how to donate, check the campaign website, www.novatomalariacampaign.org.  Follow us on Facebook!