BASF Contributes 75,000 Life-Saving bed nets to "Nothing But Nets" emergency appeal
In November 2011, BASF teamed up with Nothing But Nets and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to reach the goal of sending 150,000 life-saving bed nets as quickly as possible in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Chemical company and long-lasting insecticidal net manufacturer, BASF provided the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign with 75,000 bed nets to be delivered to refugee camps across the Horn of Africa region, through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). In response to the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, the campaign - a global, grassroots initiative to fight malaria in Africa - launched an urgent appeal to help UNHCR provide 150,000 bed nets to families fleeing drought, famine, and conflict in the Horn of Africa region.
"We are very grateful to BASF for sending these 75,000 anti-malaria nets to help us protect families at risk in the Horn of Africa as quickly as possible," said Chris Helfrich, director of the Nothing But Nets campaign. "This boosts our appeal past the half-way mark less than one month after its launch, truly proving the power of partnerships."
Refugee camps are crowded and typically located on swampy plots of land, creating an environment where malaria-carrying mosquitoes multiply quickly and easily carry the disease between people. Access to insecticide-treated bed nets can help curb the spread of malaria by up to 90 percent. "Providing these nets will save lives in the Horn of Africa - that's a simple fact. This generous contribution will have a huge impact as malaria is one of the main causes of death among refugees," added Greg Millar, Senior Officer of UNHCR.
"BASF is strongly committed to support the fight against malaria. When engaging in relief efforts, we search for partners that have the experience and expertise to ensure our bed nets are quickly brought to the people who need them the most. We are delighted to team up with "Nothing But Nets" and UNHCR in this effort to strengthen health and hopes in refugee camps in the Horn of Africa", said Dr. Egon Weinmueller, head of BASF’s public health business.
About "Nothing but Nets"
In Africa, every two minutes, a child dies from malaria, which is easily prevented through the use of an insecticide-treated net. The nets create a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night, when the vast majority of malaria transmissions occur, and are the most cost-effective method of preventing the spread of the disease.
Anyone can join the fight against malaria with a US$10 donation to "Nothing but Nets". Nothing But Nets uses 100 percent of each donation to purchase a net, deliver it to a family, and educate communities on its importance and proper use.
To date, "Nothing But Nets" has raised over US$ 56 million to distribute more than 9 million nets to families throughout Africa.
