United Against Malaria

United For Change began as a result of a recent trip to Mali. In West Africa, specifically, and throughout the continent, generally, the devastation and debilitation of malaria cripples the lives of many and kills over a million people annually.

In parts of Africa, and other regions in the Muslim world, poverty prevents people from being equipped with the proper bedding and preventative medicine needed to avoid this horrible disease.

Unfortunately, The Islamic world has not prioritized the eradication of malaria, and are not financially willing to absorb the cost needed to manage it. As a result, every thirty seconds somewhere an African child dies because of the failure to seriously confront the onslaught of this debilitating disease. Because of the scarcity of medicine, the lack of preventative education, and netting needed to ward off the malaria mosquito, this disease has lingered far too long and taken the lives of far too many.

Why Malaria: There are ten factors why United For Change is placing Malaria as one of its 2009 priorities:

  • Annually in Africa Malaria affects approximately 420 million individuals
  • One million of those cases are fatal
  • The hardest hit population are children under five; an African child dies every 30 seconds; 3,000 daily
  • Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable
  • 12 billion dollars a year is lost because of the disease due to shrinkage of foreign investments, tourism and children out of school
  • Adequately supplying bed nets with a five year life span and with a cost of less than $7, a step that would prevent many of the fatalities caused by this disease, has proven difficult
  • The United States eradicated Malaria in the 1950’s, proving the disease is eradicable, however 30% of the world is still at risk
  • There are no Muslim groups in Africa effectively dedicated to eradicating Malaria
  • There are Muslims in America with family members living with Malaria in Africa, and others who have been themselves afflicted by the disease
  • Malaria is a scourge we all would agree is identifiable, manageable, and with human will, eradicable.

 

Testimonials

“The United Against Malaria Event is an example of vital, relevant Dawah that all Muslims should be involved in. United For Change is the Call of the Hour for scholars and Muslim leaders. May Almighty Allah bless these noble efforts and reward all those who strive in the cause.” – Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick, PHD

“It was indeed an historic event! I LOVED the entirety of it. The articulation of the speakers was simply superb! I was blown away by the information given, and the profound commitment of the organizers for the cause of those with malaria. I don’t know if I have ever heard, and been more affected by a speech then that of the one given by professor Fatimah Jackson! I thank Allah for the organizers! Let’s do it again!” – Imam Siraj Wahhaj

“It was a great honor to be involved with the recent United Against Malaria program. The organization and execution of the conference were impeccable. The messages were profound, inspirational, and uplifting. This program was not the beginning of my involvement with the issue of malaria. I pray that the momentum built by the program will lead to more effective and focused action both by myself and others. I think it is fitting to point out the commitment of the volunteers of United For Change (UFC) and the staff of Islamic Relief for the commitment and vision they displayed in making such a potentially catalytic event a reality.” – Imam Zaid Shakir

“I was greatly honored and humbled to participate in the ‘Bite the Bug’ fundraiser sponsored by ‘United For Change’ in cooperation with Islamic Relief. I believe that this event is a very positive sign and bodes well for the future of the American Ummah. Not only does it show our long-term vision and thinking, by raising awareness of social ills that are typically sidelined for political ones, but it also demonstrates a very real and tangible sense of unity amongst the many different groups and organizations that participated. I ask Allah to bless our efforts and cause us to come together for many more beneficial causes, Ameen!’ – Shaykh Yasir Qadhi