Malaria Action Lunch: Commemorating World Malaria Day

On Sunday, 30 people gathered to celebrate the culture and diversity of Africa and commemorate World Malaria Day.  We ate delicious Ethiopian food and listened to live drumming from a DC-based Malian trio. At one point, we even formed a dance circle, shaking our hips and hands as we moved to the rhythm of the kongas - a traditional African drum.

It was a time to focus on the beauty that Africa offers.  There were tables set up around the room with African hand-crafts and delicious Fair Trade coffee from Uganda.  But more than a celebration, it was also a time to act; there was a station where participants could call their congressmen and ask them to support funding for the Presidential Malaria Initiative.  This was a reminder that we have the resources and tools to combat malaria, but now, we need to muster political will. 

We also heard from inspirational speakers who argued that Africa’s beauty and diversity is compromised by the malaria pandemic, a tragedy that can no longer go unnoticed.  “As people of faith, we have a moral imperative to act,” said one college speaker, a Muslim graduate student at George Washington.  Adrianna Logalbo, director of Nothing But Nets, spoke about the work being done to distribute bed nets and the huge strides that have been made in the last decade.  We were also inspired by the story of Ariana, a high school student who has been involved in the Interfaith Youth Action Group.  Nothing short of a malaria activist, Ariana is mobilizing her community to take action against this deadly disease.  Her hopeful words were a testament that young people are stepping up, renouncing injustice and fighting for change.