As a native of the Sudan, I have been deeply involved in aiding those in the Darfur region of my country -- but the conflict is no longer contained to the Sudan.

It is also forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in neighboring Chad and the Central African Republic, into refugee camps where the heightened exposure to malaria is a leading concern. The rainy season has begun -- and with it the increased threat of malaria. Mosquito nets can prevent malaria, but as more and more refugees pour into the camps -- over 200,000 Chadians in the past month -- there are not enough nets to protect them.

An estimated 25% of the children under 5 in these camps could die before the rainy season ends this November -- and we need help to cover them!

Today in Chicago, with the United Nations Foundation, and the Nothing But Nets campaign, I announced an emergency appeal for 40,000 bed nets to cover this unexpected displacement of Chadian refugees. We need $400,000 to purchase and distribute these nets; as well as educate them on how to use the bed nets. Starting today, all the money donated through Nothing But Nets will be used for these 40,000 nets for the refugees from Chad until we meet our goal.

Working with the United Nations and key groups such as MENTOR and UNHCR, we will start delivering these nets immediately and have teams on the ground making sure they are effectively used.

On the court I focus on the net that wins basketball games, but today I am focused on the net that saves lives: bed nets. We need help. The rainy season is NOW -- together, help send the 40,000 nets that are needed before it is too late.

Send a Net. Save a Life. Thanks for your help!

Luol Deng
#9, Chicago Bulls
www.NothingButNets.net

Learn more about the crisis in Chad.