Sep 06, 2012
The END Fund, the world’s first private philanthropic initiative to combat the seven most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa, announced today an urgent fundraising appeal to ensure continued treatment of almost 12 million people in Mali. Funding has stopped for distribution of medicines that treat and prevent NTD’s; and the clock is ticking to raise enough money to re-start the deployment of medicine to adults and children there. The END Fund has until the end of September to raise the final $100,000.
“We are looking to provide bridge funding to ensure that the millions of people get the medicines they are waiting for to protect them against blinding and disabling diseases,” said Ellen Agler, CEO of The END Fund. “28,000 local community distributors are waiting to hand out the medicine and education materials if we can raise the funds to make this happen.”
The END Fund and its partners, including The Legatum Foundation and The Campbell Family Foundation, are looking to other generous individuals to help in meeting this looming deadline. Getting involved is just one click away. Anyone can donate by going to Razoo.com, the leading crowdfunding platform for causes. Through Razoo, 100% of your gift will go to the Mali project; it will also be doubled with matching funds.
“We really have the chance to improve millions of lives for ten cents per person,” said Agler. “Just ten dollars will help deliver donated medicines to 100 children, $50 will help a school of 500 children, and $100 will help an entire village of 1,000 people.”
Neglected tropical diseases affect over one billion of the world’s poorest people and over 500,000 each year die of these diseases. They can cause blindness, disfigurement, and have debilitating effects on both children and adults.
“No health intervention is more effective than tackling NTDs,” said END Fund Chairman William Campbell. “The END Fund offers an exceptional social investment opportunity for those interested in transforming millions of lives in the short term, while creating a legacy that will positively impact sub-Saharan Africa for years to come,” added Mr. Campbell.
For more information about The END Fund, or to become a pioneer in transforming millions of lives in Africa, please go to www.end.org. If you want to make a difference, make a donation at Razoo.com.