AUDIO: Goodbye Malaria – Save a life in your sleep

Goodbye Malaria commemorated World Malaria Day in fine style at Montecasino on 25 April.

The organisation and official ambassadors, house-band Mi Casa, made people aware of how they can become involved in the fight against malaria by buying Shweshwe pyjama pants and armbands as 50 per cent of proceeds go toward the initiative’s ground project in Mozambique.

The colourful armbands that were sold are integral to the campaign which has seen thousands of homes sprayed in Mozambique.

CEO of Goodbye Malaria, Sherwin Charles said the disease can be beaten if people stand together and do their bit.

“Our programme deals with three things – education around the disease so people know it doesn’t have to be a way of life; the disease can be beaten if you take your treatment,” said Charles. “The second thing we do is the indoor residual spray programme – we put insecticides on the walls of the house, so that it protects the family for at least six-months,” he added.

“The third thing we do is to ensure the hospitals and clinics have the right medication available.”

Charles also revealed that since they started in 2013 they have seen a decrease in Malaria by 67 per cent. He also added that because malaria transcends borders, in South Africa there is a goal to eliminate malaria by 2018. Results have shown one can beat the disease very easily by taking treatment earlier.

Frontman for the band Mi Casa, Joao da Fonsca, popularly known as ‘Jsomething’ said more people should be involved in eradicating the disease. “From Mi Casa’s perspective, it’s kind of a no-brainer to be involved in such an amazing programme that tackles an incredibly sad issue in Africa. Malaria is the biggest killer in Africa and it kills one kid every 60 seconds.” he concluded.

Details: Visit www.goodbyemalaria.com