The Rotary Club of Bundaberg Central is encouraging community members to band together for the upcoming Walk in Solidarity to End Malaria event.
To be held at Innes Park on Sunday April 24, the event will help to raise funds and awareness for the Rotarians Against Malaria initiative.
Coordinator Ross Peddlesden said malaria was caused by a parasite carried by mosquitos, and its constantly changing nature had so far meant that medical science had not found a cure.
“Each year something like 200 million people are infected, and those who don’t die will often suffer its effects for the rest of their lives,” he said.
“But there are things that can be done, and Rotarians Against Malaria is one of the organisations working hard and with determination to save lives since 1995.
“RAM supports initiatives such as its bed nets program, where insecticide-impregnated nets are provided free to poor communities in the third world.
“Just the ability for a family to shelter under a net at night and not be bitten by mosquitos has in some communities reduced rates of malaria by 90 per cent.”
Ross said RAM also paid educators to teach communities the value of eliminating sources of standing water to reduce mosquito populations and much more.
“Already RAM’s programs have almost eradicated malaria in some places such as East Timor, but there’s much more to do,” he said.
To help support the cause, Ross said residents were invited to participate in a walk from Innes Park to Bargara.
“It’s only 4 kilometres, from Innes Park to the Bargara Headlands Whale Lookout and return, and at the end there’s a sausage sizzle,” he said.
“It’s only $20 to participate and your money will save lives.”
Event details
What: Walk in Solidarity to End Malaria, hosted by the Rotary Club of Bundaberg Central
Where: Innes Park parklands
When: Sunday April 24 with registration from 9.30 am and walking at 10am
Cost: $20 to participate including a sausage sizzle to finish
