There is so much beauty in Marco Trovato’s print of children playing football in Angola: the vivid red of the children’s clothing against the dusty brown background, the sense of movement, the look of determination on the boy’s face as he kicks the football. But perhaps what is most beautiful to me is the fact that the photograph is of children doing what they do best - being children.  Too often, children in Angola, and in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, don’t get the chance to experience as many moments like this as they should.  Right now, a child dies in Africa every 45 seconds from malaria, a preventable and treatable disease.  Moreover, when malaria doesn’t kill, it can have significant effects on a child’s health and development, keeping them out of school and, in some cases, causing permanent neurological damage. 

At Malaria No More, we are working hard to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015 through strategic investments on the ground, such as the delivery of mosquito nets and rapid diagnostic tests; innovative communications campaigns to increase net usage and awareness; and advocacy efforts to mobilize additional resources for the fight against malaria.  Many of our programs, such as the Zinduka Campaign in Tanzania, mobilize youth to take action against malaria, allowing them the chance to play, to grow, and to reach their full potential. 

Who knows, some of them may even grow up to become football stars.  

- Michele

At Nuru Project, we connect photojournalism with causes. Consider benefiting Malaria No More with your Marco Trovato print purchase by selecting them at checkout. 

Michele Malter is Grants Manager at Malaria No More, where she is responsible for proposals and reports and identifying new funding opportunities. She spends her spare time traveling, speaking Hindi and watching the History Channel, but not all at the same time.