Children of Sierra Leone Write to European Companies, Highlighting Malaria Crisis and SAFMI’s Efforts
In a heartfelt initiative, children from across Sierra Leone have begun writing letters to major European companies, sharing their personal experiences with malaria and raising awareness about the ongoing fight against the disease. The campaign, launched in early 2025, aims to shed light on the devastating impact of malaria on families and communities while appealing for increased support for local initiatives such as the Save Africa From Malaria Infection (SAFMI) Foundation.
For many children in Sierra Leone, malaria is a daily reality, affecting their health, education, and overall well-being. In their letters, they describe how the disease disrupts their schooling, leads to the loss of loved ones, and keeps them in a constant state of fear. Some letters include drawings depicting the dangers of mosquito bites, while others express gratitude for SAFMI’s innovative approach in using mosquito fish ponds to reduce mosquito populations.
The campaign was inspired by community leaders and educators who saw an opportunity to amplify the voices of those most affected by malaria. By reaching out to European corporations, the children hope to inspire action, encourage funding for malaria prevention projects, and foster international collaboration in the fight against the disease.
“Malaria makes me too weak to go to school sometimes,” writes 10-year-old Aisha from Freetown. “My little brother got very sick last year, and we thought we would lose him. But now, we have mosquito fish in our area, and I hope they will help us.”
Through these letters, the children not only highlight the challenges they face but also emphasize the role of SAFMI in bringing sustainable solutions to their communities. The foundation’s recent initiative of distributing over 200 mosquito fish ponds to health centers in Freetown has been praised for its environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control. The Gambusia affinis fish introduced into stagnant water areas help curb mosquito breeding by consuming larvae, reducing the spread of malaria.
A Call for Global Support
The letters have already reached several European firms, including those in the pharmaceutical, medical, and corporate social responsibility sectors. Many companies have responded with messages of encouragement, with some expressing interest in supporting malaria prevention initiatives in Sierra Leone.
“We were deeply moved by the letters from these children,” stated a representative from a European health organization. “Their words remind us of the urgency of tackling malaria and supporting sustainable solutions like SAFMI’s initiative.”
SAFMI hopes that this campaign will strengthen global partnerships in the fight against malaria, leading to increased funding, research, and long-term solutions. With the voices of Sierra Leone’s children now reaching international ears, there is renewed hope for a future where malaria is no longer a constant threat.
As the letter-writing initiative continues, children across the country remain hopeful that their words will inspire meaningful change and a safer, healthier future for all.
