Cologne/El Fasher. In May and June, Malteser International distributed 6000 mosquito nets in the crises region of North Darfur. 'Despite the difficult security situation we managed to distribute all the nets before the beginning of the rainy season', emphasises Ute Kirch, Programme Coordinator of Malteser Internaional in North Darfur. 'During this time, the Anopheles mosquito is especially active.' In particular, pregnant women and babies are at risk to fall ill due to their weak body's defenses.

The distributions took place in Wadah, situated in the south west of the provincial capital El Fasher, and in 48 surrounding villages. In each village, Malteser International additionally trains five voluntary health workers. They explain the dangers of malaria and the ways of infection to their fellow villagers and show them how to use the mosquito nets effectively. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around one million people worldwide die of malaria each year. 75 percent of them are children.

Malteser International is working in Darfur since July 2004, especially in the rural regions south of El Fasher. In Tabit, Shangil Tobaya, Galab, Abu Zerega and Wadah around 120,000 people - changing with season and security situation - depend on the continuous supply with medicines by Malteser International and the training provided for local staff in the health centers. In the five health centers in Darfur, around 10,000 patients each month receive treatment.

Attention editorial offices! Ute Kirch, Programme Coordinator of Malteser International in North Darfur, is available for interviews. Please contact +49 (0) 221 / 9822 - 213.

For its projects in Sudan, Malteser International appeals for donations:

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

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