What's the urgency?
Malaria, a preventable disease, kills 33 per cent of children under five in Sierra Leone. This is a figure that can be reduced by the introduction of malaria awareness and prevention methods. In December 2010 the government distributed bednets throughout the country. Most households do not know how to use them, or how to treat a sick child when they have malaria.
How are we tackling this?
The Tony Blair Faith Foundation believes the strength and reach of faith communities can be harnessed to be an essential part of national plans to combat malaria in Sierra Leone. Faith leaders have legitimacy and trust, and they are present in the most remote rural areas where government networks may not extend.
We are creating a public health messaging programme to be delivered by faith leaders and their congregations across communities in Sierra Leone. It aims to prevent deaths from malaria through basic advice including how to use a bed net and what to do if your child displays symptoms of malaria. We are working to deliver this project alongside the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone and other committed supporters.
Above all, we are aiming to connect faith communities to help save lives in Sierra Leone. We plan to reach over 100,000 homes by June 2012 through the networks and motivation of religious leaders.That translates into thousands of lives saved from malaria through multi-faith action.
How can you help?
Your donation will ensure that:
- committed faith representatives can deliver messages to prevent deaths from malaria.
- malaria prevention messaging packs are distributed to communities throughout Sierra Leone.
- our Fellows are able to support this work by mobilising faith communities to work together to deliver this messaging programme.
- the sustainability of the programme in-country, is managed and run by Sierra Leonians, over the long term.
You can help us save lives - please donate now and help prevent deaths from malaria in Sierra Leone.
If for any unforeseen reason we are unable to utilise the funds on our campaign 'Faiths Act in Sierra Leone', we will utilise the donation towards the fulfilment of the Foundation's other programmes.