‘Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.’
World Organisation Key Facts:
- Globally in 2024, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610 000 malaria deaths in 80 countries.
- The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden.
- In 2024, the WHO African Region was home to 95% of malaria cases (265 million) and 95% (579 000) of malaria deaths.
- Children under 5 accounted for about 75% of all malaria deaths in the Region.
The Butterfly Tree is passionate about supporting the fight against malaria and initiated a programme entitled ‘Mosquito Nets for Schools‘ in 2017.
We have donated thousands upon thousands of mosquito nets. Most recently in the Mulobezi District in Western Province of Zambia. In 2025 there were 43,937 malaria cases recorded. Thanks to a generous grant from ALMT over 3,000 school children in the district have received mosquito nets.
After learning that a school boy from Nguba Secondary School had recently died after contracting malaria we donated 900 mosquito nets to this school and nearby Singwamba Primary, thanks to a further donation from ALMT and the Souter Charitable Trust. I was informed by a Ministry of Health malaria elimination staff member that this year the cases in Nyawa area are severe and that children are taking longer than usual to recover, after treatment.
Until the malaria vaccine is widely available prevention is imperative. The impact of our ‘Mosquito Nets for Schools’ whereby every child and teacher takes ownership of a mosquito net, has been substantial. Reports show that malaria cases and absenteeism from school have been significantly reduced.
We urgently need more support to protect children in areas of high malaria prevalence in rural Zambia. We give the mosquito nets directly to the children who receive education from a medical personnel on how best to use the nets and how to seek medical attention if symptomatic.
A mosquito net costs just £6 ($8) and could save a child’s life. If you would like to make a donation for our World Malaria Day appeal, please click on this link: or contact jane@thebutterflytree.org.uk
Jane Kaye-Bailey
Founder
