School Children as Agents of Change

Nigeria –With Africa's largest population, Nigeria accounts for 25% of all malaria cases on the continent and is at risk for a malaria epidemic.

NetsforLife^® is providing valuable malaria education in schools throughout the country to address this crisis. The trainings often are in the form of dramas, music, debates, and lectures. The content includes information on how malaria is transmitted, how it can be prevented, the importance of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets and demonstrations on how to use them properly.

Children then receive nets, which are later installed in their homes . As part of the NetsforLife^® approach, families will then receive on-going monitoring and evaluation by local NetsforLife^® community volunteers. This information is vital to track how effective the program has been in delivering the malaria messages in homes and communities as well as overseeing infection rates.

Some of the key outcomes of these malaria-training sessions in schools include:

Strengthened knowledge of malaria reduction, prevention and treatment;
Increased knowledge and changed attitudes towards treatment-seeking behavior; and
Improved knowledge on net hanging procedure.

Following a training program at Ezena Primary School in the Diocese of Auguta, the headmistress reported that a number of parents came to the school to thank teachers for providing malaria education.

“Parents reported that their children came from school and removedall containers in their compounds (mosquito breeding sites). Additionally, they advised their parents to use their bed nets to protect themselves at night.”

It is a reminder that information is power. This kind of innovative approach to malaria prevention is making a difference one school, one home and one community at a time. Children have taken the role of teacher in their families and are making a significant difference.

Since 2008, NetsforLife® has delivered more than 5.6 million nets across 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa resulting in fewer infections, fewer deaths and stronger communities.

Working at the grassroots level within the Episcopal community, the NetsforLife^® Inspiration Fund will help NetsforLife® deliver upon its promise to distribute 7 million nets by 2013. Our goal is to build awareness about this disease, how it can be prevented, and raise $5 million by December 2012.

Christian Aid is the NetsforLife® partner in Nigeria, working directly with churches on the ground to fight malaria.