I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of two amazing Canadian women, Ms. Debra Lefebvre and Ms. Gail Fones, as well as an amazing Ugandan woman, Ms. Sarah Komugisha, all of whom are members of the Buy-A-Net organization. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Dr. Martin Nkundeki, who has been the resident volunteer in Uganda for over six years.

Last Wednesday, April 25, as the international community commemorated World Malaria Day, I returned to Katagoo, a village in Uganda, where I joined members of Buy-A-Net and distributed over 500 insecticide-treated mosquito nets. I first visited this village when Senator Stewart Olsen and I accompanied Prime Minister Harper to Uganda for the Commonwealth Conference. I visited this village on behalf of the Prime Minister and Canadians and, over the last six years, I have returned to this area a number of times.

Over the years I made several friends in Katagoo, one of whom is Irene. Irene and I are both grandmothers, and six years ago we bonded over the fact that we both had just become grandparents. We both have always had many stories to share about our precious grandchildren, Adam and Ayaan.

Last Wednesday, Irene was uncharacteristically quiet. As I observed her, I was disturbed by her silence, so I went over to her and asked why she was so quiet and unhappy. Tearfully, she explained to me that I had arrived with the nets too late as her grandson Adam had died of malaria. I hugged Irene and struggled to find words to console her.

Honourable senators, malaria is one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of five and has claimed the lives of many children living in Sub-Saharan Africa, just like Adam. In fact, every 50 seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria. Sarah, Dr. Martin and I, along with many village volunteers who joined us in distributing the bed nets, had a rough day. Sarah, who had spent a number of hours making sure that all the arrangements had been made, was very disappointed that the weather would not cooperate.

However, as we ventured out into the villages last Wednesday, not even the torrential downpour was able to dampen the spirits of those who were anxiously waiting to receive bed nets.

These mosquito nets, which can cover up to four people at a time, act as a wall of defence and protect families from contracting malaria. Ownership of these nets has proven to reduce child mortality rates of children under the age of five by 23 per cent. Unfortunately, with heavy hearts, we had to turn away several families because we ran out of nets to distribute.

Honourable senators, the effect of malaria on developing countries is crippling. We, as Canadians, have the resources and the power to lead the fight against malaria; now, we just need the will.

Endorsed by the World Health Organization, World Malaria Day calls upon all levels of Canadian government, private foundations, religious institutions, volunteer groups and individuals to support the fight to end malaria.

The theme for World Malaria Day 2012 – “Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria”, marks a decisive juncture in the history of malaria control. Whether the malaria map will continue to shrink as it has over the last 10 years, or be reclaimed by the malaria parasites, depends to a great extent on the resources that will be invested in malaria control efforts in the coming years.

The fight against malaria seems endless, but for all who work to control this preventable disease, the results are clear and display the full impact of donor support:

1. In Africa, malaria deaths have been cut by one third over the last decade; outside of Africa 35 of the 53 countries affected by malaria, have reduced cases by 50% in the same time period.
2. In countries where access to malaria control interventions has improved, overall child mortality rates have fallen by approximately 20%, which is an impressive achievement. However these gains are fragile and easily reversed unless malaria continues to be a priority

Since 2004, Buy-a-Net has recognized that this fight does indeed belong to all global citizens. The program has both educated about malaria, and provided life saving bed nets and anti-malaria medicines to families in Uganda.

Continuing investment in malaria control now will propel malaria-endemic countries along the path of success in achieving the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, particularly those that improve child survival and maternal health, eradicate extreme poverty and expand access to education. All of which are directly impacted by malaria.

Buy-a-Net is grateful to our sponsors for world Malaria Day:

]]> http://www.buyanet.ca/world-malaria-day-march-25-2012/feed/ 0 http://www.buyanet.ca/buy-a-net-honours-volunteers/ http://www.buyanet.ca/buy-a-net-honours-volunteers/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:52:39 +0000 admin http://www.buyanet.ca/?p=3627 This week, National Volunteer Week in Canada, is an opportunity for Buy-a-Net to honour the thousands of volunteers who give their time, passion and expertise to our organization. Thank you for the exceptional contribution YOU make to our success in saving lives from malaria. YOU make all the difference to mothers and their children in Uganda. With deep gratitude, Gail Fones, Chair of the Board

During the month of April, Oxford Learning Centre, Kingston students will paint a fifth time to raise money to save the lives of African children, coinciding with World Malaria Day, April 25th.

Malaria is the largest single killer of children under the age of five in Africa, taking approximately 2000 lives per day (or every 45 seconds).  World Malaria Day is an international day to recognize the advances made in halting this killer disease, and to remind the world community that gains will only be sustained with continued investment in malaria control. Buy-a-Net Malaria Prevention Group, founded by Debra Lefebvre of Kingston, ON, works tirelessly to prevent and cure the disease, currently focusing their efforts in the African country of Uganda.

For less than $10, a bed net protects a family for up to three years from the ravages of malaria, and can treat a child suffering with malaria. $500 nets an entire village. To date, Oxford students have raised over $10,000 for the cause.

This year, artwork by Oxford students, preschool through high school, will be on display at all local Starbucks stores April 1^st through 26^th.  On April 27^th, the paintings will come together for silent auction bidding at Starbucks Chapters location., Kingston, ON.

Bids will be accepted April 27^th-29^th, with a final event April 29^th 12-3pm.  The final event will feature local musicians and fun for the entire family.  Starbucks will provide treats by donation.  In addition, there will be jewellery for sale created from hand crafted beads made by Ugandan women.

For more information, contact Danielle at kingston@oxfordlearning.com.

Buy a painting, save a life!