Canadian Red Cross completes distribution of 6 million bed nets

Program expands and addresses additional health needs

OTTAWA, April 25 /CNW Telbec/ - This World Malaria Day, the Canadian Red Cross is ramping up their fight against malaria. The Canadian Red Cross is expanding their successful Malaria Bites campaign, which has already seen the distribution of six million bed nets, to include additional health interventions and treatment options.

"Bed nets remain the best defense against malaria," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "But thanks to Canadian generosity there is more we can do to help ensure a healthier future for families in Africa. New Canadian Red Cross efforts will not only help prevent malaria - it will help people recover from it."

In addition to receiving a bed net, beneficiaries will also have access to lifesaving interventions such as rapid diagnostic tests, malaria treatment, preventative medicine for pregnant mothers and helping families produce clean drinking water.

"Local volunteers have always made the Canadian Red Cross program special," adds Sauvé. "They not only support mass distributions, they ensure people have the education needed to use their bed net properly. By expanding our malaria program, we are empowering our teams with the ability to have an even greater impact in the fight against malaria in their communities."

Every $10 donation to Malaria Bites will help the Canadian Red Cross provide urgently needed support in malaria-affected countries. Canadians wishing to support these activities are encouraged to donate online at www.malariabites.net, call toll-free at 1-800-418-1111 or by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Malaria Bites Campaign" and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300; Ottawa, Ontario; K2P 2P2.

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 186 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

For further information: to access high quality photos, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Canadian Red Cross, Media Line: [phone], www.malariabites.net