Mission Board leaders speak about Malaria Control

Malaria Control as Ministry

Malaria affects twice as many people each year as AIDS, tuberculosis, measles, and leprosy combined, yet we as United Methodists do not at present have any major projects focused on malaria. I hope we can correct that. The General Board of Global Ministries is launching the United Methodist Community Based Malaria Control Program. We are also projecting malaria control as a component in the Health and Wholeness campaign in which the general agencies of our Church are taking part. If we can remove deadly landmines, as we are doing in Mozambique, United Methodists can take greater initiative in the control of mosquitoes. Malaria prevention and treatment is a form of Christian ministry.
R. Randy Day
General Secretary
General Board of Global Ministries

A million people will lose their lives to malaria this year. United Methodists are working to stem the tide through comprehensive programs that address community needs to combat this serious and preventable illness. These programs teach those most susceptible to contracting malaria the basic measures they can take to avoid getting sick. Community members also learn the signs and symptoms of malaria and how they can get the help they need to regain their health. Through these cooperative efforts United Methodists can make a significant impact toward making malaria history.
Bishop Paup
Board President
United Methodist Committee on Relief

The importance of a community approach

Community mobilization is a key component in the fight against malaria. The community must own, manage and be responsible for the project if it is to succeed. All the resources available in a community, from traditional methods of prevention to subsiding the cost of bed nets, must be harnessed. We can learn from the experience of others and determine what has worked and what has not. As United Methodists we can share knowledge, experience and resources with communities in sub Saharan Africa and Asia and help them to overcome this ancient scourge of malaria.
Cherian Thomas, MD
Executive Secretary
Health and Relief
General Board of Global Ministries