TRANSMITTED DISEASES INCLUDE DENGUE, YELLOW FEVER, ZIKA, MALARIA
WILLS POINT, Texas. – Workers supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA) recently distributed some 33,000 mosquito nets to guard against insect-borne diseases, including yellow fever, malaria, dengue and Zika, to commemorate World Mosquito Day.
GFA-supported workers held a variety of events to distribute the nets, including distributing 9,000 nets to students living in hostels away from their families. Each student was given two nets, one for personal use and the other to send to their families.
“I am thankful for the mosquito net,” said hostel student Marcus, who is studying in 9th grade. “I am from a poor family, and there is no one to meet my needs.”
In the District Medical Hospital in Odisha, an area where an estimated 400,000 are affected by malaria and other mosquito-borne sicknesses, workers distributed nets to patients.
In another district, workers organized a dozen events to draw awareness to the issue and distributed 2,050 nets to impoverished families.
In the tea-growing district of Assam, workers held awareness programs about disease prevention and gave away 2,000 nets to tea-garden employees.
“For many days, me and my family members were suffering from malaria,” said tea worker Puran, when he received a free net. “Now, this net will protect us from this sickness.”
Mosquitoes carry a number of illnesses, including yellow fever, malaria and dengue. Recently, India issued a warning about the dangers of Zika, a disease that is concentrated in Latin America now, but may spread to other continents.
Netting provides some protection from the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquito bites. National World Mosquito Day commemorates the discovery in 1897 by British doctor Sir Richard Ross that mosquitoes transmit malaria.
“These illnesses destroy lives and families, often leaving many victims in misery and poverty,” said K.P. Yohannan, founder and president of GFA. “We are very thankful that we can help the individuals and families in these areas. In addition to distributing these mosquito nets, we want to continue praying ask for prayers for these precious people that God would protect them and that they would be able to may live peaceful lives without worrying about these diseases.”
PHOTO CUTLINE: Net recipients gather to hear a health-awareness program on International World Mosquito Day from Gospel for Asia-supported workers.
Gospel for Asia has – for more than 30 years – provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For more information, go to www.gfa.org.
To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, contact pressrelations@gfa.org or call 972-300-3379.
