People living in rural areas of Africa often struggle to access vital services. Every two minutes, malaria kills a child under the age of five (Source: The World Health Organisation) and children in Africa remain one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the disease.

But Transaid is changing this.

Our MAMaZ Against Malaria (MAM) programme has seen a staggering 96% reduction in deaths of children with severe malaria in Serenje District, Zambia. We're working with a consortium of partners whose shared aim is to increase access to life-saving medical treatment for rural communities in Zambia, and you can help us achieve that aim.

DONATE NOW AND HAVE YOUR CONTRIBUTION DOUBLED!

This year we have been lucky enough to secure some very special match funding, meaning every single penny donated by individuals to this appeal will be doubled and put towards tackling severe malaria in rural Zambia through MAM.

What better reason to donate now?

With your support, we can change the lives of those like Rabbecca. When Rabbecca's toddler fell sick with severe malaria earlier this year, she drew on her training as a Community Health Volunteer for MAM and called her fellow volunteers to help.

Using a rectal artesunate suppository, they started his pre-treatment and then, on a bicycle ambulance, took him from Mupula village in Zambia to the local health centre, 35km along a rocky dirt track. By the time they arrived, Rabbecca's son was already showing signs of recovery. The health centre gave him an injectable form of the artesunate, in line with the recommended national treatment guidelines and within days he was well again.

Eight years ago, before the programme was in place, Rabbecca's other child didn't survive the same ordeal.

Rabbecca says, "The project has saved one of my children - if it had started earlier, my other child would have survived too. [...] Now, we don't need to worry. Whatever the time, day or night, we can always get the help we need."

With your support to this campaign we can reach even more communities and change yet more lives like Rabbecca's, by providing rural access to life-saving healthcare.

Please watch this wonderful video to learn more about MAMaZ Against Malaria

This campaign is part of a wider appeal, aiming to raise a total of £25,000. If you are a business looking to support the appeal, or if you have any queries, please contact Jade Ashby-Rozier at jade@transaid.org.

Photo credit: Toby Madden for Transaid.