Cologne/Bonn/Bukavu. Deutsche Post World Net supports the fight of Malteser International against malaria. Free of charge, the logistics group provides the capacities for 10,000 mosquito nets to be transported to the province of South Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo. 'Malaria is one of the main causes of infant mortality worldwide. In Africa alone, one million children die of the disease every year. We are pleased to support the important work of Malteser International and the fight against malaria with our logistics competence thereby strengthening our commitment in the fight against infant mortality,' Susanne Meier, Head of Corporate Strategy and Responsibility of Deutsche Post World Net, explains.

The impregnated nets are provided by the worldwide benefit campaign 'World Swim for Malaria' (see http://www.worldswimformalaria.com/de/homepage.aspx). They are distributed to pregnant women coming to one of the antenatal clinics (ANC) supported by Malteser International in the province of South Kivu. Women presenting for delivery in the targeted health centres thereby preventing the high risks and complications of an unattended home birth receive a free second bed net. 'Whereas 80 percent of women come to ANC, only 60 percent deliver in health facilities. The distribution of the nets through the medical staff in the centres is an incentive for the women to accept medical help during pregnancy as well as at birth. At the same time, the health workers trained by Malteser International sensitise the women for the use of mosquito nets to protect their families,' Dr. Peter Schmitz, Chief Medical Officer of Malteser International, explains: 'By using impregnated mosquito nets, the cases of malaria can be reduced up to 50 percent. Currently, less than five percent of the children in Africa sleep under a bed net. Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria. We are thankful that Deutsche Post World Net supports our work in the DR Congo with the transport of the nets. We thereby strengthen our common effort to contain malaria that is especially life-threatening for children and pregnant women.' After the distribution, Malteser staff will make sure by home visits that the nets are correctly installed and properly used. The project is in line with the National Malaria Programme in the DR Congo.p to 50 percent. Currently, less than five percent of the children in Africa sleep under a bed net. Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria. We are thankful that Deutsche Post World Net supports our work in the DR Congo with the transport of the nets. We thereby strengthen our common effort to contain malaria that is especially life-threatening for children and pregnant women.' After the distribution, Malteser staff will make sure by home visits that the nets are correctly installed and properly used. The project is in line with the National Malaria Programme in the DR Congo.p to 50 percent. Currently, less than five percent of the children in Africa sleep under a bed net. Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria. We are thankful that Deutsche Post World Net supports our work in the DR Congo with the transport of the nets. We thereby strengthen our common effort to contain malaria that is especially life-threatening for children and pregnant women.' After the distribution, Malteser staff will make sure by home visits that the nets are correctly installed and properly used. The project is in line with the National Malaria Programme in the DR Congo.p to 50 percent. Currently, less than five percent of the children in Africa sleep under a bed net. Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria. We are thankful that Deutsche Post World Net supports our work in the DR Congo with the transport of the nets. We thereby strengthen our common effort to contain malaria that is especially life-threatening for children and pregnant women.' After the distribution, Malteser staff will make sure by home visits that the nets are correctly installed and properly used. The project is in line with the National Malaria Programme in the DR Congo.will make sure by home visits that the nets are correctly installed and properly used. The project is in line with the National Malaria Programme in the DR Congo.

Malteser International has been active in the east of the DR Congo for over ten years now. Currently, twelve international and 129 local employees work in various projects and ensure health care for about 2.7 million people.

Attention editorial offices! Dr. Peter Schmitz, Chief Medical Officer of Malteser International, is available for interviews. Please contact: +49 221 9822 155.

For its projects in the DR Congo, Malteser International appeals for donations:

Donation Account 120 120 120 Bank fuer Sozialwirtschaft, Woerthstr.15-17, D-50668 Cologne Sort Code 370 205 00, IBAN: DE49 3702 0500 0001 0258 01, BIC: BFSWDE33XXX Reference: "Congo"

For more Information please contact: Petra Ipp, Senior Desk Officer Communication, Malteser International Phone: +49-221-9822-155, Fax +49-221/9822-179; petra.ipp@malteser-international.org; www.malteser-international.org