Actress Mandy Moore Joins UN Drive To Fight Malaria

Mandy Moore is joining a long list of celebrities who have helped raise money to try and prevent the spread of malaria in Africa and other regions around the world.

Moore, a 26-year-old New Hampshire-born singer/songwriter/actress, has been involved with fighting malaria for several years. She has also helped raise money and generate awareness for leukemia and lymphoma.

In a conference call with reporters on Friday, Moore announced that she is currently in the Central African Republic (CAR) this week, teaming up with the UN Foundation to help raise funds for net beds that can be used to prevent mosquito bites, which are the primary cause of malaria.

“We can prevent this disease, we can save lives,” she said. “We just need everyone’s involvement…a 10 dollar donation truly does save lives.”

The UN Foundation, a charity that promotes United Nations initiatives, started its ‘Nothing But Nets’ campaign in 2006 in an effort to help distribute life-saving nets to those in need. The incesticide-treated nets cost $10 dollars per, and if used properly can lower the spread of malaria by up to 90% in high-risk areas. Foundation studies show that one net bed generally lasts a family up to four years.

According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization, roughly 250 million cases of malaria are reported each year, resulting in around one million deaths annually. 85% of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with mostly young children under the age of five falling victim.

Moore said 400,000 more nets are needed in CAR by the end of the year in order to supply every household in the country.