Malaria Prevention Saves Lives

I am pleased to announce that the charity came second in a Global Innovation Challenge for our malaria prevention initiative. Out of over fifty applicants we were shortlisted to the final three.

Last month I had to fly to Brussels to present the project to a team of experts at the largest humanitarian expo in the world. I explained about how the safe insecticide coating in helping to reduce the number of malaria cases in Zambia and that are aim was to reach out to, many more rural areas where there is a high prevalence of malaria.

Many of the applicants were from the corporate world so we were delighted that a grassroot charity was chosen as the runner up.

We continue to expand our pioneer project to distribute mosquito nets in schools having identified that over five’s are not being protected against malaria. Last year we distribute 1,400 mosquito nets to River View pupils and teachers. For the past fourteen months there has been no absenteeism from malaria.

In November we distributed a donation of mosquito nets to Sikaunzwe School after building a new health centre in the area. Each pupil is taught how to use the net and must take ownership. We have started a further distribution at Kawewa School in the same catchment area. The more coverage we provide in one area, the better chance of eradicating malaria.

We aim to target three more schools where there is usually absenteeism from malaria. The communities that recorded the highest number of malaria cases this year are Moomba, because of the new settlers bringing in malaria to the area, Ngwezi and Chuunga.

This month we will head back to Moomba Chiefdom to help two more zonal areas where settlers are living after being relocated by the government from a game reserve. Last year we provided protection for 14 zones, painting almost 2,000 homes, with the insecticide coating. Larvicide granules have been placed in areas of stagnant water and streams to prevent the larva developing into mosquitos.

This month we will head back to Moomba Chiefdom to help two more zonal areas where settlers are living after being relocated by the government from a game reserve. Last year we provided protection for 14 zones, painting almost 2,000 homes, with the insecticide coating. Larvicide granules have been placed in areas of stagnant water and streams to prevent the larva developing into mosquitoes.

Links:

• http://www.thebutterflytree.org.uk/pages/our-work/malaria/mosqui

The Butterfly Tree's Annual Report is now available to view on our website. It is full of illustrations and details of the projects we completed in 2017-18. Below is an extract from the Executive Summary pertaining to our Malaria Prevention Programme.

This year has been one of the most successful in the history of charity, not only for fundraising, but the fact that we ventured into new terriority where no other charity or NGO had previously visited. in July 2017, we reached the remote area of Moomba Chiefdom.

The Kazungula District is a vast area in the Southern Province of Zambia with a population in excess of 70,000. During the past twelve years we have expanded our work from Mukuni Chiefdom into Sekute, Musokotwane and Nyawa Chiefdoms, and now Moomba.

Whenever I discussed Moomba with anyone in Zambia they said: ‘the distance is too far’. However, after learning that 46% of the population had malaria in 2016, I felt I had to do something about it. In July 2017, accompanied by three of our Zambian team, we set off at 5.30am for the 300km journey. After driving 100km on a good tarmac road, the next 75km was pitted with deep pot holes, before we turned onto sandy terrain. I drove for seven hours, with just a 20 minute lunch break, until we reached Moomba Centre. We distributed mosquito nets and blankets for vulnerable children, discussed the malaria situation, and drove back to Livingstone, arriving at 10.45pm!

The mosquito nets, along with the use of safe insecticidal coating and larvicide, which we applied in December, helped to reduce the number of malaria cases in Moomba. Mukuni and Nyawa received support, and also Sekute, where we did a pioneer programme at River View School. 1,400 mosquito nets were donated to pupils and teachers. From October 2017 to the end of March 2018, no absenteeism has been reported from malaria.

A grant was approved to construct a new health centre at Sikaunzwe, which includes a clinic, maternity unity, women’s shelter and latrines. This means that 8,550 people will have access to much improved medical care. Besides malaria prevention we funded HIV prevention workshops and treatment for sick children. In addition medical supplies were donated to Mukuni, Mambova, Sikaunzwe and Nyawa rural Health Centres, and Livingstone General Hospital.

Safety is a primary concern for us, both for the volunteers and the children we help. In light of the shocking allegations made against several big charities regarding sex exploitation, we have updated our Child Protection Policy, which can be viewed on our website.

In November 2017 I was both delighted and honoured to have shortlisteed to the final four for a global award. Aidex Humanitarian Award took place in Brussels and though I did not win, the charity gained a corporate partner after hearing about our work in Zambia.

Obviously, without funds none of this could have been achieved. I am astounded by the continued support of some of our donors who have followed us since 2006. A huge thank you to all our supporters, whether an individual, a  company, a school, a club, a church or an organisation. Each and everyone of you has helped us to provide the essentials in life for thousands of orphans and vulnerable people in Zambia.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree's Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18