WASHINGTON, D.C., November 16, 2011 – The Peace Corps and Malaria No More, an organization determined to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) October 31, 2011 to combine forces in malaria prevention in Africa.

“Peace Corps volunteers serve in some of the most remote areas of the world, working at the grassroots level to prevent malaria by distributing bed nets and finding innovative ways to educate communities,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. “This partnership gives volunteers more resources and utilizes existing infrastructure to help eradicate deaths due to this preventable disease.”

“Peace Corps volunteers are great ambassadors for America around the globe,” said Dr. David Bowen, incoming CEO of Malaria No More. “Their involvement reaffirms America’s commitment to the global campaign to end deaths from malaria.”

Through the partnership, the Peace Corps and Malaria No More will coordinate the training of Peace Corps volunteers and staff, work together to educate local communities on malaria prevention, and engage returned Peace Corps volunteers in malaria awareness-raising activities in the United States through the Malaria Griots Project. 

Peace Corps volunteers will support NightWatch a nightly reminder campaign, developed by Malaria No More and Lalela Project, that brings together Africa’s biggest stars to encourage people to sleep under their mosquito net through TV, radio and SMS platforms. Peace Corps volunteers will also support theZinduka! campaign (Swahili for “Wake up!”), a media and celebrity engagement initiative that empowers communities and schools across Tanzania with the knowledge and tools to fight malaria and create a culture of mosquito net usage, testing and appropriate treatment.

For the full press release, see the Peace Corps website.