Photo Caption: Afiah and her son Robert who have taken part in the RTS,S vaccine trial in Tuobodom Health Centre in Kintampo, Ghana.
“I feel lucky to have this chance and I am happy that I can help protect Robert from getting malaria.”
Thanks to the generosity of ±«Óãtv Radio 4 listeners, Malaria No More UK’s first ever ±«Óãtv Radio 4 Appeal raised an incredible £67,590. This includes £30,000 in matched giving from a long-term corporate partner who generously offered to triple match the first £15,000 raised – giving £2 for every £1 donated. On behalf of everyone at Malaria No More UK and our presenter Jo Yirrell, thank you all so much for this fantastic support.
Jo lost her son, Harry, to malaria after he gave away his antimalarial medication to local children in the village in Ghana where he was volunteering. The money raised in this appeal will go towards ensuring that one day no other parent will needlessly lose their child to this preventable and treatable disease.
Malaria No More UK mobilises political leaders and communities to focus efforts on providing life-saving interventions in places like Ghana. As the Coronavirus takes hold in countries where the poorest and most vulnerable are already living with the threat of malaria, there is the risk that malaria cases will resurge. It is critically important to sustain and increase efforts to prevent and treat both diseases. Investments in tackling malaria are investments in health workers on the frontline, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and others delivering vital treatments and tools to the malaria fight. These are not only driving progress against this deadly disease but are building capacity to address other health issues and strengthening our preparedness against future pandemics.
Earlier this year our team met Afiah and her nine-month old son Robert. In addition to mosquito nets, spraying, malaria tests and treatment it is hoped that a malaria vaccine will help us reach a malaria free world.
Afiah volunteered to be a part of the RTS,S vaccine trial at Tuobodom Health Centre in Kintampo, Ghana. “My 12-year-old son, Kofias, has had bad malaria twice and it meant that he couldn’t go to school. He was sick for more than two months both times, and he missed some big exams last year. … I feel more hopeful about the future now. If Robert stays well like this then he will grow up to be strong and have a good life and a good education. Maybe he can be a doctor himself.”
Your donations are helping our work to ensure that Afiah and countless other parents achieve their dream - to raise their children free from the fear of malaria. Thank you so much for your kind support.
You can find out more about our charity .