ECW and NetsforLife

At its heart, the NetsforLife campaign to eradicate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is about the promise of the Episcopal Church to raise up the Millennium Development Goals and use them as a mission orientation. Of the eight goals, NetsforLife, an initiative of Episcopal Relief and Development, particularly focuses on goal six: “Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.” Malaria, which disproportionately affects women and children, is a scourge that can be prevented. One bed net costs only $12 and can protect up to three people from malarial mosquitoes.

The ECW of North Carolina pledged itself in 2007 to the MDGs. In November 2010, in his “Lyin’ Midwives” homily given at Holy Trinity Church in Greensboro during the Annual Meeting of the ECW, Bishop Michael Curry asked that we continue to “lead the way” by working on behalf of NetsforLife (see the NetsforLife website for more information and to hear the bishop’s sermon.)

The Diocesan ECW, represented by president Lisa Towle, was actively involved with the work of the NetsforLife Steering Committee. Individuals, parish-based ECW branches, convocations, and the ECW executive board donated a total of $7,200 to the campaign on behalf of the Diocesan ECW. That equals 600 mosquito nets. Translation: Up to 1,800 lives have been saved by this one financial gift.

 Many, many other Episcopal Church Women have contributed to NetsforLife by leading and contributing to campaigns in their churches. Heartfelt thanks to all! The work on behalf of the MDGs continues.