The 25^th of April is World Malaria Day. As far as I was concerned Malaria was an African issue and a million miles away, until last weekend.

At the annual Presidents and Deputies training in Barnsley, one JCI member shared their story. Their story started with a holiday in Central America and ended with an eight day stay in hospital. Malaria was not a million miles away for this JCI member, but a terrifying ordeal that thankfully was recognised early enough and in a modern healthcare facility that had the resources and treatment to stamp out the disease.

I had no idea the devastation that Malaria has caused and that it continues to devastate lives every minute of the day across the globe.

Some Malaria facts:

• A child under 5 dies every minute from Malaria
• One bed net will save 4 lives
• India has the highest reported cases of Malaria at 24 million a year
• Pregnant women and children under 5 are the most at risk
• 1,500 cases of Malaria are reported in the US a year
• Half of the world's population is at risk for Malaria
• Malaria is preventable and curable

JCI and Nothing but Nets have teamed up across the world to net this killer. Just £7.50, that's a bottle of wine, will save 4 lives so what are you waiting for? Donate now and spread the word.