At the recent District Governor Mark Humphries' visit to our club, albeit via Zoom, his wife Linda discussed her DG Partner's project "Rotarians against Malaria" (RAM). She stated that she has been passionate in her support of RAM throughout her membership of Rotary.'Rotarians Against Malaria' (RAM) is a volunteer-run organisation working to eliminate malaria. It was established in Australia in the mid-1990s and continues its work in developing countries, working with government to eliminate malaria.
People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented. In the 1900s, malaria was pandemic in the world. Fifteen years ago, malaria killed a child every 30 seconds!
However, considerable progress has been made in preventing, diagnosing and treating malaria. As a result, deaths have fallen by 60 percent. Now, the aim is to reduce malaria cases and deaths by a further 90 percent by 2030.
Linda is particularly interested in raising funds to support the "End Malaria in Vanuatu - for good" project.
In Vanuatu, the incidence of malaria in some areas is increasing and gains in other areas are fragile. Vanuatu is conducting a nationwide campaign to get EVERYONE (communities, private organisations, and all sectors within the government) to engage in chasing malaria down to zero. EVERYONE has a part to play to make sure that Vanuatu reaches zero malaria by 2023.
Funds raised will be used for:
- Purchase and distribution of Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN)
- Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS)
- Surveillance-tracking the disease and taking appropriate action
RAM is supporting the Vanuatu Malaria Program as follows:
- A two District (9810 and 9820) Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Overseas Aid Fund (RAOAF) Registered Project has been set up, where all contributions to the Vanuatu project will be deposited. (RAWCS Project 104-2019-20)
- Along with New Zealand, RAM 9810 and 9820 will apply for a Rotary Global Grant for approximately $400,000 for implementation of the "End Malaria in Vanuatu-for good" program over a 3-year time frame.
Linda and RAM encourage Rotarian clubs and individuals to consider contributing to this RAWCS Fundraising Project.
To donate click on this link:
