The statistics on Malaria are alarming. The disease is the leading killer of children in Africa under the age of five. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of infection in the world. At least one million people in the region die each year.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has initiated a new Malaria program to save lives and provide communities with long-term solutions to control and combat the disease.

ERD's new program provides a comprehensive, three-pronged approach: educating communities, distributing insecticide-treated nets, and supplying effective drug therapy. The program trains community health workers on prevention techniques. Community members, particularly mothers, are taught to identify symptoms of malaria which can often cause death within days if left untreated. Health workers distribute insecticide-treated nets and teach people how to properly use the nets to prevent deadly mosquito attacks at night. Insecticide-treated nets are the single most preventative measure to help people become healthier and more productive. Anti-malaria drugs, which work in support of the education, are distributed through community health posts, hospitals, and clinics.

The beginning phase of ERD's Malaria program is starting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia-two countries where Malaria is endemic. "Initially, we have targeted two communities in Zambia, Luapula and Kapoto, outside Kitwe, and the Katanga region in the Congo,"said Janette O'Neill, ERD Program Director of Africa. "We are partnering with the Anglican Church in the Congo and Zambia where the Church has the capacity to effectively reach the poorest and most affected rural and urban regions," said O'Neill.

Approximately 10 million people are infected with Malaria in the Congo. It is the primary cause of death in the country. ERD is working with regions within the Diocese of Katanga which serves almost nine million people. In Zambia, about 50,000 die annually from Malaria; the disease is the cause of death for 40% of children under five years old who die each year.

"We can make a significant impact on controlling the spread of Malaria and diminishing the growing rate of infection, particularly among pregnant women and children under five. We know this program will make a long-lasting difference throughout communities beginning in the Congo and Zambia," said Sandra Swan, ERD President.

To save lives and support ERD's Malaria Program, donate to the Malaria Fund at www.er-d.org, or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, Malaria Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.