One Net, One Life’ campaign comes to Nigeria

Chioma Obinna

Undoubtedly, Malaria and HIV are seen as the most devastating global health problems, resulting in more than four million deaths annually.  Unfortunatelly,  both are diseases of poverty and causes of poverty.

Experts say resultant  co-infection and interaction between the two diseases have major public health implications.  It could be recalled that one of the main focuses of Roll Back Malaria (RBM), the Global Partnership initiated by WHO,UNDP, UNCCEF, and the World Bank, to combat malaria is the promotion of insecticide treated nets with other interventions strategies to contain malaria scourge.

With studies showing that most malaria carrying mosquitoes bite only at night, expert affirmed  that mosquito  nets, if properly used and maintained, can provide a physical barrier to hungry mosquitoes.

Trials of insecticide treated nets ( ITNS) in the 1980s and 1990s also showed that Insecticide Treated nets (ITNs ) reduced deaths in children by an average of 20 percent.

However, in continuation of the campaign for use of ITNs, modern day explorer and Humanitarian, Kingsley Holgate is bringing  his ‘One net, One life’ campaign to Nigeria.

The South African who had visited  many African countries giving out ITNs as part of  the anti-malaria campaign, is expected to visit some communities while in the country.

Divisional  Managing Director of  United African Company (UAC), Franchising,  Nigeria, Marc J.B Schreuder, says the event is sponsored by United African Company (UAC), and NANDOS Restuarant, a brain child of UAC. He   hinted that Kingsley Holgate will be   arriving in Lagos with an extensive and well experienced media team from South Africa, which includes, SABC Africa, Mail and Guardian, 702 Radio.  

Also arriving are  celebrity chefs, Mr. Clayton Sherrod from Alabama USA and Mr Citrum Khumalo from South Africa.
Schreuder explained  further that the two chefs would be working with Kingsley and Nandos Nigeria to develop a unique Nigerian dish using only the freshest ingredients of Nandos called “PERI PERI”. Schreuder said with the support of Nandos, Kingsley would be distributing thousands of ITN nets, malaria prevention information,  leaflets,  books and reading glasses amongst others.

The UAC boss  further hinted that the organisation has launched the Kingsley Meal in Nigeria, and that every diner would donate N50.00 towards a mosquito net and Nandos in collaboration with UAC,  would triple the donation so that total donation per meal sold would become N200.  “Since  a treated net cost N600, it means that for any three Kingsley meals sold, one net will be purchased towards the “One net, One Life” campaign.  So far, any three customers purchasing this meal will save at least one life or  more as mothers often sleep with their  babies under the net.”

He further disclosed that a cheque of US $10,000 from Nandos UK would be handed over to Kingsley at the opening of the latest Nando’s restaurant in Ikeja area of Lagos on August  20,  joined with the proceeds of the campaign raised in Nigeria.