A worried mother watches over her child, who is sick with malaria, at the provincial hospital in Malanje, Angola. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose.

A Nigerian baby sleeps beneath an insecticide-treated mosquito net provided by Nothing But Nets.

United Methodists are urged to give up lunch and save lives by using that money to buy an insecticide-treated bed net.

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, president of the denomination's Council of Bishops, is asking United Methodists and others to skip lunch on Africa Malaria Day and use their lunch money to buy a lifesaving mosquito bed net.

Wednesday, April 25, has been designated Africa Malaria Day and, for the first time in the United States, President Bush has proclaimed a Malaria Awareness Day that same day.

United Methodist Communications and The Upper Room Living Prayer Center also encourages people to join in a 24-hour period of prayer that day for the children of Africa, those suffering with malaria and for global health.

"Malaria kills a child every 30 seconds in Africa," Huie said. "Bed nets are the most cost-effective way to protect children from the mosquitoes (that) carry this killer disease.

"This is an easy, tangible way to make a difference. Join me. Skip a lunch. Send a net. Save a life."

The people of The United Methodist Church are a founding partner in the Nothing But Nets campaign, which is taking aim at one of Africa's biggest killers of children by protecting families from disease-carrying mosquitoes. Other founding partners include the United Nations Foundation, the National Basketball Association's NBA Cares and Sports Illustrated.

A girl arranges a torn mosquito net over her bed at an orphanage operated by the East Angola Conference of The United Methodist Church in Malanje, Angola.

For each $10 donation, a bed net is purchased and distributed to Africa, where education also is provided about its use. A challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match contributions up to $3 million, dollar for dollar.

Huie encouraged local churches to join the effort by holding a lunchtime worship service on April 25 focusing on malaria.

Downloadable resources, including suggestions about how churches can get involved, graphics and worship materials, will be available by March 20 at www.UMC.org/nets.

"Nothing But Nets is a visible part of our long-term commitment to eliminate malaria," Huie said. "Providing comprehensive health care to the developing nations of Africa is a long, difficult process. It will need to continue for generations."

United Methodist bishops endorsed the Nothing But Nets initiative while meeting last year in Mozambique, in East Africa. United Methodists have been in mission in Africa for more than 160 years, operating hospitals, clinics, schools and mission centers.
 
"As bishops, we have a special place in our hearts for the children of Africa," Huie said. "We are committed to doing everything we can to save lives while making disciples of Jesus Christ in Africa."

To learn how to make a donation, visit www.nothingbutnets.net or www.umc.org/nets.
 
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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