Islamic Relief USA is committed to combating and preventing the spread of malaria and has been working in high risk areas of Mali for years, providing medicines and insecticide-treated nets for affected communities. Malaria is known to be one of the oldest diseases affecting mankind. While its specific age is still debated, its deadly affects on human beings are not.

Last month, IR USA launched its Bite the Bug campaign to help end the spread of malaria and treat those affected. The campaign is mobilizing thousands of volunteers across the United States to educate others on malaria and its adverse affects.

Focused on aiding pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under age five, Islamic Relief’s malaria treatment and prevention projects aim to:

• Reduce the rate of infant mortality by 50%
• Decrease school absenteeism by 25%
• Reduce malaria cases among pregnant women by 25%
• Reduce anemia cases in pregnant women by 15%

Stopping the spread of malaria is not as difficult as it might seem. You can sign up to join our National Campaign by visiting www.bitethebug.org. At Bite the Big you can find out how you and your friends can help to provide insecticide-treated bed nets for protection against mosquitoes as well as medicines to treat patients diagnosed with malaria.

Between 2001 and 2006, malaria deaths increased three-fold in Mali. Help bite back against malaria today!

-Nazia A. Hossain, National Volunteer Coordinator