STUDENTS DISCUSS MALARIA WITH INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS

New York (October 26th, 2006)- With an African child death toll of 3,000 daily, malaria is one of the leading international threats. On Thursday October 26th, students from schools across the nation had the opportunity to discuss this issue with each other and two leading malaria experts via videoconference live from Mozambique.

The conference featured Dr. Ricardo Thompson, Scientific Director of the Ministry of Health in Mozambique, and Mr. Rui Gomes de Costa, founder and Director General of Gestlab. Both speakers discussed their role in fighting malaria, and things students in the U.S. can do to help decrease the threat of the parasite.

Dr. Thompson opened the discussion with an overview of malaria and its current status as a leading killer of children in Africa. “Malaria, as you might know, is one of the most preventable diseases worldwide,” he began. “However, every year about 1 million individuals die from malaria in Africa.” He went on to explain how the malaria parasite, which is often spread by mosquitoes, can spread through the body. “When malaria parasite gets in the bloodstream of any individual, it travels to the liver first. In the liver, one single parasite will multiply up to 30,000 times. So you can see the magnitude of this biological problem.”

Students were eager to learn more about the parasite and what they can do to help. One student in Durham, N.C. asked what the fastest way to cure malaria would be. “There’s no short-term resolution to this. It’s a battle and we’ve got to get out there and actually fight it, and use whatever weapons we have at our disposal,” added Mr. Gomes de Costa.

Another student in St. Louis, MO, asked if there is anything they could do to help. “One thing that can be done is to just raise awareness,” answered Dr. Thompson. “There’s a lot of effort that has be put forth to control this disease, and we are sure that without a global effort, we will not be able to do it. Sometimes a small effort from an individual can make a big difference.”

This virtual discussion entitled “Malaria: The Forgotten Threat” was moderated by Mark von Sponeck, co-founder of Global Nomads Group.

GNG is a New York-based nonprofit that provides schools with a window to the world using live videoconferencing and broadcasting. Malaria: The Forgotten Threat is part of GNG’s program, The PULSE, which connects youth around the U.S. for discussions on the important world issues of our time. The program aims to encourage civic engagement and to promote young people's interest and knowledge of international affairs. In addition to class-to-class discussions, The PULSE "Speaker Series" enables young people to hear from, and speak directly to, renowned experts on a variety of international issues.