Today Nothing But Nets announced the launch of an emergency appeal to send 100,000 bed nets to refugees in the world’s newest country, South Sudan. Since last June, more than 130,000 refugees have entered South Sudan and neighboring countries to escape fighting on Sudan/South Sudan border, and another 75,000 are expected in 2012. The situation in this region is heartbreaking and these families need our help. Our great partners at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) are providing these families with essential food, water, and shelter, but they still lack protection from malaria-carrying mosquitoes that bite during the night.
Malaria is the leading cause of death among children under the age of five in South Sudan and bed nets are an easy, cost effective solution to make sure these kids are safe from this preventable disease. These bed nets will help families escaping violence along the border, as well as refugees returning home to rebuild their lives in the newly-independent South Sudan.
With the support of Nothing But Nets Champions and partners, including NBA star Stephen Curry, WNBA star Ruth Riley, and The Nederlander Organization, we hope to reach our goal of sending 100,000 life-saving nets to South Sudan as quickly as possible.
Anyone can be a Champion in the fight against malaria. It only takes $10 to send a net and save a life. Will you join us?
We look forward to working with you over the next month as we keep refugees in South Sudan safe from malaria.