Nothing But Nets delivers first shipment of nets in Nigeria

Rick Reilly visits with families who received nets and shares his
experience on website

WASHINGTON, DC (December 5, 2006)—Nothing But Nets today announced that more than 150,000 insecticide-treated bed nets were delivered to children and families throughout Nigeria in October and November 2006. The campaign also announced that a video chronicling Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly’s recent trip to Nigeria where he visited with families who received the bed nets is now available on the website: www.NothingButNets.net.

Reilly traveled in and around Lagos to meet with mothers, children, and communities about the impact of bed nets on their lives and using them to prevent malaria. The trip was organized by the United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation), and a film crew from The People of the United Methodist Church accompanied Reilly to record the trip.

“Every time I think about this campaign, I’m struck by how simple it is for people to help,” said Rick Reilly. “This is really a no-brainer. It’s easy for people to send a net, and it really will save a life.”

Since May 2006, the Nothing But Nets campaign has raised over $1.4 million. The nets sent to Nigeria were the first of many that will be shipped to Africa. A bed net costs $10 to buy, distribute, and educate others on its use. The distribution was organized and implemented by the Measles Initiative.

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About Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Inspired by Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the UN Foundation. Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, The People of the United Methodist Church, Malaria No More, and Sports Illustrated. Other partners include VH-1, AOL Black Voices, and Rotarians’ Action Group on Malaria. It only costs $10 to provide an insecticide-treated bed net that can prevent this deadly disease. Visit www.NothingButNets.net to send a net and save a life.