Notes from Cote d'Ivoire

By Elizabeth McKee | March 21, 2007

During the past few years, the world has watched Cote d'Ivoire in a state of crisis due to the continued fighting between the north and the south. The real crisis, though, is just under the political surface, "paludisme." (For those of you who are like me and don't speak French, we are talking about the Ivory Coast and malaria.) Malaria is the reason for 80% of the hospital visits in this country.

On behalf of the UN Foundation, I have the opportunity to visit this beautiful area in West Africa. I am accompanied by Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, leader of the Texas United Methodist Church. She has a growing relationship with Bishop Boni whom is not only a leader in Cote d'Ivoire but also Senegal and Cameroon. We are here to understand the state of malaria and other crippling diseases. Today in Abidjan, we met with US Ambassador Aubrey Hooks. He stated that his largest concern beyond the political unrest is the 17 million people here at risk of dying of malaria. The Ambassador also said there are very few mosquito nets in this country and they are applying for a Global Fund grant to aid malaria control. The Measles Initiative is scheduled to facilitate an integrated campaign here in 2008, but before then we all have to fill the gaping hole of 4.5 million nets needed in Cote d'Ivoire. To me, that is 4.5 million reasons to Send a Net and Save a Life.