World Mosquito Day 2010
20 August was World Mosquito Day!
113 years ago, British doctor Ronald Ross first made the link that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. It was 20th August 1897 and on making this discovery Dr Ross declared that this day be known as World Mosquito Day.
Dr Ross’s discovery laid the foundations for scientists across the world to better understand the deadly role of mosquitoes which currently infect 250 million people with malaria every year, causing 850,000 deaths, mostly in young children in Africa.
We created a three minute film to highlight the history and significance of the day. The film features little seen footage of Dr Ross as well as interviews with some of today’s key players in the fight to make malaria no more including Ray Chambers, co-founder of Malaria No More and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Malaria, Stephen O’ Brien, International Development Minister, and Geoff Targett, Emeritus Professor of Immunology of Parasitic Diseases at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Their messages bring hope and perspective – making malaria no more in Africa a genuine possibility.
According to Ray Chambers, the 2010 goal to provide mosquito nets to all at risk in Africa is in sight. Ray says: “We are at the closest point in history to reaching the first malaria goal to ensure all those in Africa who need a life-saving net have access to one. We believe this will be a reality for all 700 million people who need a net and that they will sleep safely at night just months from now”.
Take a look behind the scenes at the making of pictures
Watch our video from Ghana to see how your money is already making a difference
Special Edition Poster
Our music partner Jazz FM is running a special edition poster featuring its famous chameleon striking a colourful new pose for Malaria No More UK! The posters will be running throughout the UK this week, encouraging people to text “NOMORE” to 70099 to donate £1 to help end malaria deaths in Africa, where malaria kills more children under five than any other.
Text to donate Terms & Conditions.
