FHI Partners with Hershey to Prevent Malaria in Côte d’Ivoire

DECEMBER 2008 — A partnership between Family Health International and The Hershey Company that focuses on preventing malaria is improving the health of families in cocoa-growing regions of Côte d'Ivoire. Beginning in January, the partnership will distribute 3,000 insecticide-treated bednets to families, and especially to those most vulnerable to malaria: pregnant women and children under 5. Recipients will also receive education on using and re-treating the bednets.

The Hershey Company has purchased the bednets, and FHI is managing their distribution in 10 villages in the Issia Health District, an area currently receiving no malaria-prevention support.

"By partnering with FHI's efforts to prevent malaria, The Hershey Company will be helping to fight a disease that is one of the world's leading causes of death of young children," said FHI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Albert J. Siemens. "Hershey's commitment to educating the community and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to thousands of households is an investment in the future of Africa that will not only save lives, but also offers hope and opportunity for vulnerable families throughout the region."

PHOTO: (Left to right) Ms Araba and Mr Mikossopor from Vestergaard Frandsen, the company supplying the bednets, are pictured with the product and with Dr Semdé and Mr Dogen from FHI/Côte d'Ivoire.