Imagine if we could predict malaria outbreaks just like we predict the weather. Well, we just might be able to!

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has developed a model that predicts malaria outbreaks with 86 to 100% accuracy. The model uses weather predictions, information about mosquito reproductive patterns, and geographical data to predict the probability of an outbreak. Over the past nine years, the model has been tested and proven accurate in several countries including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Dr. Andrew Githeko, the malaria expert in charge of the project, says, “Rainfall and temperatures can be used to explain up to 80% of statistical variation in malaria incidences. This is because the temperature variations are extremely important in breeding of mosquitoes.”

So what does the current malaria forecast look like? According to the technology, an outbreak is unlikely to occur this season because the current temperature in most areas is not high enough for a mass breeding of mosquitoes.  

In this case, we’ll take all the rain checks we can get if it means protecting the millions of people at risk of malaria.

Mommy bloggers have been taking over the big city, and one of the most recent announcements to come out of the NYC conference is that the BlogHer Network is partnering to raise awareness of the water crisis in Pakistan.

According to FastCompany.com, BlogHer will partner with P&G and Changeants.com to bring attention to the water crisis and illnesses brought up by dirty water.

The article mentions: Aside from the obvious benefit of promoting global health, it’s a unique way to galvanize female bloggers and at the same time promote P&G, but the only thing different about this cause marketing campaign, compared to others, is its extensive use of social media.

We look forward to learning more about it.

Ten Thousand Nets, a Denver-based campaign focused on ending malaria, got involved in anti-malaria infused festivities to help raise awareness and funds for MNM.

Nearly 20 people purchased tickets for a “Malaria Bites Ride” that scooted through the streets of Denver. Riders wore plastic fangs and adorned their scooters with MNM paraphernalia. One person even rode their scooter dressed as a mosquito!

Their destination? “The Lost Boys” at the outdoor Red Rocks Amphitheater. And to kick off the movie night, a Kiefer Sutherland PSA to promote malaria awareness and MNM got cheers from the 9,000-large Coloradan crowd.

To learn more about Ten Thousand Nets, click here.

I am here in Dakar with fellow board member Youssou Ndour. Tonight will be the finale of an American Idol style song contest that has captured the hearts and minds of thousands. Surround Sound Senegal is working with innovative messaging to engage the people of Senegal in Xeex Siburu (Fighting Malaria). It’s a great example of the right message, at the right time, with the right messenger.

Continue to visit the blog for contest updates.

Scott Case is the CEO and Vice Chairman of Malaria No More.

I once heard “the only pill that works is the pill that’s swallowed” and think that’s a perfect metaphor for long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets.

At Malaria No More, we support an integrated approach to malaria control—including long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), safe indoor spraying and effective medicines. Specifically in the case of LLINs, we support them because they are the first line of defense against the bite of a malarial mosquito and, most importantly, because they work. However, they must be used properly to be effective, which is why MNM is ramping up in-country efforts to make sure that happens.

Our pilot “Surround Sound” approach in Senegal and Tanzania works with local partners to talk about malaria in their local voice and uses:

• The best local marketers across the entertainment, sports, faith and business sectors to achieve outsized impact
• Cutting-edge market research and local marketing experience to create messaging strategies that resonate
• Local icons to mobilize key sectors of society and expand reach

In Senegal, the campaign is called “Xeex Sibbiru,” which means “Fight Malaria,” and is led by Grammy-winning superstar and Senegal native Youssou Ndour. He helped launch the Senegal campaign with a concert and a new song about an African boy that gets sick with malaria and misses out on life. The song coincided with the government’s distribution of two million LLINs, which are now being used and effectively saving lives.

Back home in the US, your $10 donation to MNM purchases the LLIN AND delivery and education around how African families should use it to best protect themselves from malaria. Better yet, your $10 donation is helping empower African families to take on malaria in their own homes and communities.

The Idol Gives Back special television event airs Wednesday, April 21st at 8/7c on FOX, but you don’t have to wait until then to give back! For the first time ever, Idol Gives Back is offering everybody a chance to help raise money for Idol Gives Back, starting now, through Idol Gives Back Help Me Give Back.

To learn more about what Malaria No More is doing with American Idol and Idol Gives back, read the USA Today Kindness blog article, In fighting malaria, Malaria No More finds a committed partner in ‘American Idol’.

In this month’s April issue of GOOD Magazine, which hit newsstands today, we’re taken on the $10 journey to save a life.

Click here for larger view

1. A donation is made to Malaria No More (MNM)
2. Through conversations with partners and country visits, MNM indentifies where to distribute mosquito nets
3. MNM identifies in-country distribution partners
4. Most times, the African country’s national malaria control program decides on the brand of long-lasting insecticide treated net which will be procured and distributed
5. MNM, the distribution partner, or African country’s government procures the nets
6. The nets are shipped from a mosquito net factory (in Africa or Asia) to a country’s port of entry
7. The nets arrive
8. The nets are transported to the field
9. The nets are distributed through health clinics or campaigns near their homes
10. Every net comes with education and monitoring to make sure each one is used properly
11. Report-back information allows MNM to react quickly, have impact, and save lives

HOLLER back at us with a $10 donation here.

I turned 26 on March 3, 2010. This year, my birthday was more special than usual – I helped save lives!

Through my involvement with ONE I have learned about some staggering facts: Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria – a preventable, treatable disease. In a 21st century world, this to me is unacceptable. That is why, this year, I donated my birthday to charity and I chose to raise awareness and money for Malaria No More.

My message was simple - Every little bit helps, and just $10 saves a life. I utilized social media as a primary tool to promote my birthday wish and get the needed donations to hit my $500 fundraising goal. I used Twitter and Facebook to provide updates and encouragement, and soon, thanks to my friends’ admirable generosity, we reached the goal!