A mosquito net - such a simple solution

If you’ll allow me a rather clumsy metaphor, malaria is something of the elephant in the room when it comes to The Gambia – it has a huge looming presence and yet is rarely talked about in the tourist areas. You take your pills and try and forget about it. But behind the scenes, it goes about its quietly devastating business, taking more lives than you ever thought possible. And the worst thing? It is possible to tackle, and at a relatively low cost. So, whilst a vaccine remains elusive, and prolonged exposure to available anti-malarial drugs a health risk, for as little as £7, a vulnerable child or family member can be provided with a mosquito net – a simple remedy hugely effective in the fight against this horrible disease. Yet those that need them most simply can’t afford one.

Which is why the superb Fresh Start Foundation are trying to raise £7000 by the beginning of the rainy season in July, to take out 1000 mosquito nets to give to vulnerable children and pregnant women in The Gambia. You can find details of the project on their website, and can donate by going straight to their Just Giving page. Here’s hoping they reach their target.