April 25 marks the fourth anniversary of World Malaria Day. Are you a champion in the fight against this deadly disease?World Malaria Day commemorates global efforts to control malaria. The theme of this year’s World Malaria Day is Achieving Progress and Impact, marking the global community’s renewed commitment to achieve zero malaria deaths by 2015.

Take Local Action
Malaria is the leading killer of children in Africa, and kills nearly one million people every year. The heaviest burden of malaria is on sub-Saharan Africa, but the disease also affects Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and some parts of Europe. World Malaria Day is a great time to raise awareness and encourage others to take action to eradicate this deadly disease.

With a donation of USD $10 to the JCI Nothing But Nets campaign ,you can send an insecticide-treated bed net is sent to Africa, providing a protective covering for a family of four to sleep, safe from malaria-causing mosquitoes.

Share your passion for helping those affected by educating your community on the dangers of malaria and show others how a small donation can save someone’s life.

Expand Your Global Effort
The UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets program is commemorating World Malaria Day in two ways.

The Nothing But Nets Emergency Appeal is working to protect refugees in Liberia from malaria. Fleeing the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire, refugees are leaving their homes and belongings for safety camps across the border. The UN Refugee Agency is working to provide families with food, water and shelter, but people also need protection from deadly mosquito bites.

Sixty percent of children under the age of five are infected with malaria in Liberian refugee camps, but the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign is stepping up to provide urgently needed bed nets for more than 70,000 refugees. Join the fight against malaria and provide a refugee in Liberia with a life-saving net.

Active citizens like you can also participate in the UN Foundation’s Be A Champion contest. The UN Foundation is honoring Champions in the fight against malaria, showcasing some of the dedicated Champions who are helping save lives by preventing malaria. A photo exhibit featuring these individuals will launch on World Malaria Day at the United Nations and run through May 22.

Can you think of someone who is a Champion in the fight against malaria? Nominate a Champion that you know by visiting the Champions contest page and submitting their story. As you browse through the other inspiring stories, vote for your favorite champions and share the contest with your friends and family to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against malaria.

Be a Champion this World Malaria Day and send a net to save a life today.

Everyone Can Help
This World Malaria Day, there are many ways to get involved. For countries in the affected regions, individuals can learn from each other and support each other’s efforts. For new donors and participants in the JCI Nothing But Nets campaign , come join our global effort to send nets and save lives. For JCI Local and National Organizations, expand existing successful projects or create something new to involve members and your community in the fight against malaria. Spread the word about the dangers of malaria and show others the importance of sending a life-saving bed net for World Malaria Day. 

Read more about JCI Nothing But Nets and how you can help today.

Download the JCI Nothing But Nets toolkit to get started or continue raising funds for a great cause in 2011.

Share your story, nominate a Champion you know and vote for your favorite Champions for the UN Foundation’s World Malaria Day Be A Champion contest.