University President John J. DeGioia and First Lady Laura Bush recognized the role of religious institutions in combating the African malaria crisis last Thursday. Their remarks came during a panel discussion at the United States executive offices next the White House.
During a discussion on the role of faith-based initiatives in the African malaria crisis, the panelists said that, though it is curable and preventable, malaria is the leading cause of death in Africa. According to the World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report for 2005, malaria kills 310,000 Africans per year.
“This challenge requires urgent attention and innovative solutions,” DeGioia said. “At Georgetown, we seek to identify new and innovative ways by which the unique and considerable resources of an American research university, grounded in faith and guided by the ideal of compassion in action, can be brought to bear in combating global health threats.”
Bush emphasized the role of religion as well. The church is the most trusted institution in Africa, she said, and thus faith-based initiatives are an important aspect of the effort to prevent malaria.
“People of faith have always reached out to their neighbors in need,” she said.
