Campaign Secures 3 Million Life-Saving Malaria Treatments in Advance of Three Year Goal Using Tech Tools to Mobilize Global Public
NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Malaria No More announced today that funding has been secured and an order has been placed for three million life-saving malaria treatments in advance of its three year, end of 2015 goal. The Power of One (Po1) campaign uses the latest social, mobile and e-commerce technologies to rally the global public in the fight against malaria. This is a major milestone for the organization and Po1 campaign partners Novartis (NYSE: NVS), the world's leading provider of malaria treatments; and Alere Inc. (NYSE: ALR), the world's leading provider of rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, including malaria. To date, one million rapid diagnostic tests have been sent to Zambia through Po1.
The Power of One campaign was launched in 2013 to accelerate progress toward ending malaria deaths in Africa. A one-dollar donation provides a life-saving test and treatment for a child in Africa, beginning in Zambia.
Malaria No More chose Zambia as the first partner country for Power of One, as it has emerged as one of the best examples of innovation and progress in the malaria fight. The goal of providing three million treatments was reached through a pioneering partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Health, direct donations to complement existing government commitments, and through efforts to increase both public and private investment in the fight against malaria. The final treatments are expected to arrive in the country spring 2015.
"After only a year, thanks to the generosity of the global public and Novartis associates, we have been able to meet our goal of raising three million treatments for children in Zambia," said Martin Edlund, CEO, Malaria No More. "This is a great achievement, but we need to continue the fight and help ensure no child dies from malaria due to lack of a one-dollar treatment."
A child dies every minute from malaria, making it one of the most deadly diseases among children worldwide. Every dollar donated using the Power of One campaign's mobile-friendly website Po1.org funds a life-saving treatment for a child with malaria. The campaign also uses mobile phones in Africa and the U.S. in new ways to track impact and engage the public, and bring supporters to the campaign's online platform - Po1.org - to stay updated on progress.
"Power of One is a natural extension of our company's commitment to the fight against malaria and I am very proud of the contributions Novartis associates have made to help children in Zambia," said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis. "Over the past decade, we have delivered 700 million antimalarial treatments without profit in malaria-endemic countries but more work is needed. We need to continue to step up efforts, not only by increasing access to antimalarials but also by researching next-generation treatments to move closer to our vision of a malaria-free world."
Through support of an added partner and supporter of Po1, global consumer products company Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kenya was also made a beneficiary of Po1. The maker of Huggies brand diapers and baby wipes donated $100,000 to the Po1 campaign in June, which was matched by Novartis, providing 200,000 antimalarial treatments to Kenya, where the company works. With support from the Kenyan Government, these 200,000 Novartis pediatric antimalarial treatments are due to reach the country later this month, in an effort to continue the pursuit of malaria elimination in Kenya.
About Malaria No More
Malaria No More is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending malaria deaths. The organization focuses on raising awareness of the impacts of malaria among the public and policymakers and reducing the burden of the disease through programs and partnerships that deliver malaria treatment, education and prevention.
About Power of One
Malaria No More's Power of One campaign offers the global public and corporations the opportunity to help end malaria deaths one dollar and one child at a time. Every dollar donated provides a malaria test and treatment for a child in Africa. Malaria No More is grateful for the support and contributions of Power of One partners: Novartis, Alere, the Zambian Government, 21st Century Fox, AGFUND, AHAlife.com, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Causes.com, Havas Worldwide, John Snow, Inc., Newman's Own Foundation, PATH/MACEPA, Peace Corps, Time Warner, Twitter, the United States President's Malaria Initiative, Venmo, West, and more. Additional information is available at www.Po1.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sunshine Sachs
212-691-2800
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Erica L. Vogel
Malaria No More
212-710-5891
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SOURCE Malaria No More