This Little Light

Medical Outreach Partnership

2010-08-02T18:29:00.003-04:00

This summer, Vision Africa President and Founder Bishop Sunday N. Onuoha joined a mission meeting in Plano, Texas, to discuss the dire need for primary health care facilities in Nigeria. The meeting with the Four Corners Ministry of St. Andrew United Methodist Church revealed a common interest in solving the age-old problem of bringing basic health care to those in need.

Inspired by similar visions and believing in the power of partnerships, Vision Africa and Four Corners have joined forces to establish a pilot medical center project in Nigeria.

Working with one of the world's leading experts in developing medical facilities, the pilot project will apply modern business principles and unmatched medical expertise to Vision Africa's well-established community approach to health care. Nigeria can benefit enormously from better access to primary health care that's high quality and sustainable.

Bishop Sunday's home state of Abia is one of the most densely populated areas of Nigeria and the people there face many hardships. Chief among them is a lack of access to good doctors and good medicine.

As you read in the Spring Newsletter, Vision Africa's leadership and volunteers in the U.S. and Nigeria have spent many years drawing up plans and raising funds for Phase 1 of the Vision Africa Medical Center. Starting with a hostel to house mission teams participating in medical outreach ministries, and following through to a fully-functioning medical facility. The government of Abia State in Nigeria donated a significant parcel of land for the project, and Bishop Sunday is overseeing efforts to prepare the land for construction

To this effort, our new partner Four Corners brings an incredible perspective and background in medical business and a shared heart for sharing the gospel in concrete ways through the gift of medicine.

The partnership is new and we will continue to work out details of the pilot medical center project. We appreciate your prayers, thoughts and support as we endeavor to find a new path to sustainable, indigenous solutions for Africa's health crises.

Brownies for Bibles

2010-08-02T17:25:00.000-04:00

One of Vision Africa's important reconciling ministries equips young pastors to share messages of peace and understanding across Nigeria. The Vision Africa Compass program will put a high-quality bible in the hands of 180 new pastors this year, and the children of Suncreek United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas, helped make it possible.

They got excited and got busy encouraging others to Share God's Love across Africa!

Along with Adrienne Morgan, the Suncreek Minister for Children, these energetic, caring kids organized "Brownies for Bibles" to raise money for the ministry. They also made some aprons, pot holders, necklaces and other crafts at home to sell in order to raise money for the bibles for the new pastors in Africa.

With hard work and big smiles, they raised enough money for six Bibles.

That means six more young Nigerian ministers will receive their very first bible when they are ordained this week!

If you want to support this powerful ministry like the kids at Suncreek did, please contact us today.

Football Monday

2010-07-19T16:34:00.004-04:00

For years, people have recognized the power of sports to bring people together, to cross social and religious barriers and to promote peace.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha dedicates a whole chapter in his book to this phenomenon. The good Bishop is particularly impressed by the power of football to touch young people's lives.

The venerable, world-wide media outlet Voice of America recently took a look at a large movement of soccer-playing youths promoting reconciliation and understanding among young people.

Do you think something as simple as a soccer game can create positive social change?

The Future of U.S.-Nigeria Relations

2010-07-16T05:23:00.002-04:00

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Administration have shown appreciation for recent progress in Nigeria. This includes two "attaboy" speech mentions of the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association, and a one-on-one meeting with new Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nigeria is Africa's largest nation, one of Africa's largest trading partners with the U.S., and a significant recipient of U.S. foreign aid. Nigeria is even considered a possible location for the U.S. military's new Africa Command.

There is much speculation about the warming relations between the U.S. and Nigeria and some question whether that's a good thing. This recent opinion piece in the British newspaper the Guardian brings up several interesting points that are worth considering for the future of U.S./Nigeria relations.

Vision Africa relies on citizen diplomacy, empowering the people of Nigeria to solve their own problems. Through the work of organizations like ours, change at the very highest levels just might come from the grassroots.

Support Nigeria, Support World Security

2010-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder why you support Vision Africa?

Ever wonder how supporting Vision Africa affects YOU?

Think security.

A safer, more secure Nigeria leads to a safer, more secure world.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan recently made this case to the world's top leaders at the G-8 meeting in Canada.

Vision Africa is committed to leadership training programs and Vision Africa Radio programming that promotes peace through non-violent conflict resolution.

Hope in Nigeria

2010-07-12T05:16:00.002-04:00

Once again, our friends at Nigeria Health Watch bring us an amazing glimpse into the state of healthcare in Nigeria.

In a country that stands gingerly on the razor's edge, stories of hope are as valuable as gold.

This NHW post reiterates what Bishop Sunday has been saying for years: Nigerians can solve their own problems. Vision Africa will continue to empower the people of Nigeria to do just that.

Major Step Toward HIV Vaccine

2010-07-09T15:08:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, researchers in the U.S. announced major progress in the search for an HIV vaccine.

More than 30 million people in the world are living with HIV/AIDS and 2.7 million people contracted the virus in 2008. Nearly 3 million Nigerians are believed to be living with the virus today.

Transmission of HIV/AIDS can be controlled somewhat and people living with the virus can experience a high quality of life, but at present, there is no cure.

Because the disease severely compromises the immune system, the number of AIDS-related deaths remains a painful reminder of the need for a vaccine. Until today, the vaccines in trial were only 30% effective.

That's why the news of a 91%-effective vaccine is so exciting.

Maybe one day Vision Africa's HIV/AIDS work in Nigeria will include vaccinations!

WHO and Gates Fighting Polio in Nigeria

2010-06-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

As discussed in a previous post, the World Health Organization covered three main issues in the recent World Health Assembly meeting.

The fight against Polio, one of the top issues discussed, is centered on Nigeria right now. Ongoing polio eradication is a tough task because of the nature of the disease, but developed and developing nations alike have shown it possible to wipe out the crippling infection.

Bill Gates has dedicated enormous resources to stop polio in Nigeria and West Africa. Vision Africa founder Bishop Sunday Onuoha was invited to meet with Mr. Gates on this issue during his recent visit to the country. While they had conflicting schedules and could not meet, the ever growing focus on public health in Africa's largest country has led to some visionary efforts from courageous leaders.

Stay tuned to this space for more news about Vision Africa's public health efforts.

Nigeria at the World Health Assembly

2010-06-16T12:33:00.002-04:00

Every year, the World Health Organization gathers some of the top minds in medicine and healthcare from around the globe to discuss the major public health issues of the day.

The 63rd World Health Assembly concluded recently and the venerable Nigeria Health Watch blog has a run down of the most important issues discussed.

Perhaps the most pressing health issue for Nigeria, eradicating malaria received priority mention when the Nigerian Minister of Health Addressed the assembly.

Nigeria's unprecedented anti-malaria campaign depends heavily upon the leadership of Vision Africa founder Bishop Sunday Onuoha and the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association, and it is exciting to know that the efforts are being discussed among the World Health Assembly.

Learn more about Yar'Adua

2010-05-07T11:21:00.004-04:00

If you'd like to learn more about the life of former Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua, go here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umaru_Yar%27Adua

Yesterday was a difficult day for Nigeria as their former president was buried:

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201005072303534

Perspective on the political ramifications:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15039159?nclick_check=1

Bsp. Sunday Onuoha Statement on the Passing of President Yar'Adua

2010-05-06T13:22:00.005-04:00

Following the death of Nigeria's democratically elected President, Umaru Yar'Adua, Bishop Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha shares his thoughts:

"Nigeria has lost a man who was deeply committed to the rule of law and an honest mind."

-- Bishop Sunday N. Onuoha
Vision Africa Ministries

Nigerian President Yar'Adua Has Passed Away

2010-05-06T13:01:00.003-04:00

It is a sad day for Nigeria, because President Umaru Yar'Adua has passed away.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/05/06/nigeria.president/index.html?section=cnn_latest

He leaves behind a wife and children.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Malaria Meeting with Tony Blair

2010-04-27T14:14:00.006-04:00

Did you know Malaria kills 800 Nigerian children every day?

Nigeria is home to Africa's heaviest Malaria burden, where Bishop Sunday Onuoha is now heading up the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association (NIFAA), a national effort to mobilize all faith communities against the disease.

In addition to his work with Vision Africa and the Nigerian Methodist Church, Bishop Sunday continues to spearhead this ground-breaking effort to bring Christians and Muslims together to end the scourge of Malaria in Africa’s most populous country.

Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha and Ed Scott, founder of the Center for Interfaith Action

In February, Bishop Sunday hosted former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair as he shared his support for the Bishop’s faith-based anti-malaria work. Mr. Blair heads his own foundation to encourage faith-based solutions to common problems and his participation brought a great deal of international news coverage of the event.

“It is fantastic to see the great training work being carried out by NIFAA. It is the work of Muslim and Christian faith leaders on the ground in Nigeria - multi-faith collaboration about shared goals - that is at the heart of the work of my Faith Foundation. When faith communities collaborate and work together for justice and human development there is a double pay off: things get done and respect and understanding between them grows. I hope that this work will be replicated in other parts of the developing world.”

-Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, founder and patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation

More recently, Bishop Sunday visited Akwa Ibom, an important oil producing southern state of Nigeria, to lead a very serious effort to educate faith leaders on malaria. With training, these Christian and Muslim faith leaders will become foot soldiers in the country's battle against the disease.

Armed with the latest information and tools for preventing and treating Malaria, these faith leaders will help to distribute life-saving bed nets and combat dangerous ignorance about the cause and treatment of the illness.

The faith-based strategy relies on the trusted relationships of religious leaders who can spur their communities and the grassroots into positive action.

Medical Center Update

2010-04-27T13:13:00.004-04:00

Construction is Underway

Healing the sick was a central theme of the ministry of Jesus Christ on Earth, and Vision Africa has always focused on bringing medical care to those in need. This important means of sharing God’s love will be significantly amplified with the introduction of a community medical center in Vision Africa’s ministries.

For many years, Vision Africa’s leadership and supporters in the U.S. and Nigeria have worked to lay the plans and gather the necessary funds to begin the first phase of the Vision Africa Medical Center. The government of Abia State in Nigeria has even gotten into the act, donating a significant parcel of land for the project.

We are thrilled to report that works are under way to clear and prepare the land for construction of Phase 1, Part A: the Medical Residence, for visiting teams of doctors and nurses.

Since we first received capital funds for the Medical Residence, unexpected delays have occurred with this project. This can be common in developing nations, but there is cause for great optimism now that “ground breaking” has taken place. The current preparation works are carried out by local contractors and were made possible by considerable funds raised locally in Nigeria.

With good weather, the project should be complete and operational in a few short months. The good-faith cooperation between Vision Africa supporters in the U.S. and Nigeria sets a fine example for future endeavors of this kind.

Visit www.visionafrica.org to learn more about our medical center plans.

The Compass

2010-04-27T12:44:00.004-04:00

Equipping Young Pastors with Bibles

In the bush of Africa, young pastors often have no books, no Internet, and sometimes, no Bible. Only their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ guide them.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha, founder of Vision Africa, experienced these challenges first-hand as a young minister in Nigeria and he recalls that his bible was his only resource through many long days and many quiet nights. He found the Word to be his library, his road map and his compass. That's why Vision Africa's ministries start in the smallest, simplest way: the Bible.

Through our Compass program, we invite young people who receive their first Bible to “turn and give” a bible to a pastor in the bush of Africa.

The Methodist Seminary in Nigeria will ordain 180 new pastors this summer, and for most of the young ministers this simple NIV study bible will be their only library and their only tool in the mission fields.

Third graders who receive a bible from their church, teens who receive a bible at Confirmation, or Vacation Bible Schools with special mission projects can provide these 180 young pastors with Bibles as a resource and Compass for mission.

Again this year, Vision Africa can purchase and distribute a sturdy leather bible to a newly ordained pastor in Nigeria for $50.

Equipping a pastor with a quality bible as a Compass for guiding ministry to others can also be an evangelistic opportunity for adult Sunday school classes, Men’s and Women’s circles, or a congregational Communion offering. Vision Africa offers many opportunities for helping to build the Christian community.

Through these ministries and others, Vision Africa builds Nigeria's indigenous capacity for positive change. Through life-saving medical outreach in the field, inspirational messages of peace on Love 104.1 FM, and community-building leadership training, Vision Africa gives people hope.

You can visit www.visionafrica.org to learn more about the ministries that penetrate deep in the heart of Africa’s largest country.

Broadcasting to the Heart of Nigeria

2010-04-27T12:00:00.009-04:00

Vision Africa Radio in Abia State, Nigeria, is an important tool for outreach and mission in Africa’s most populous country. Our model of community radio fills a number of roles for the community while “making God’s peace and mercy known to all”. In a country where most broadcast outlets are government controlled, LOVE 104.1 FM stands as a light in a place desperately in need of its message.

LOVE 104 has been such a success, in fact, that the government of Abia State has invited us to build our own radio tower!

Already on the air for more than 5 years, the station has an estimated population of 20 MILLION within signal reach. For several years, it has been the goal of Vision Africa’s leadership and supporters in the U.S. and Nigeria to aggressively upgrade the station and boost our radio signal to reach more of these people.

Current plans call for increasing output by 700% - from 7kw to 50kw. With the addition of a new tower, our stronger signal will reach more people within a larger broadcast footprint.

This is a costly endeavor, but it is important to touch as many lives as possible. To this end, we have been blessed over the past two years to receive $250,000 for equipment costs, shipping, duty and taxes from The Ginger Murchison Foundation of Texas.

Closer than ever to our goal of a major radio upgrade, Vision Africa is now gearing up to amplify all its efforts through an unprecedented opportunity to build an independent broadcast tower in the heart of Nigeria. This kind of break in a young democracy like Nigeria is rare and a potential game changer for the ministry and for the country itself.

A new tower will help Vision Africa Radio create a larger broadcast footprint and project its encouraging and educational outreach deeper into Nigerian communities most in need. With a tower of our own, Vision Africa can encourage more independent forms of media to enrich the civil society of Nigeria. A vibrant independent media, led by Vision Africa Radio, will be a spark of freedom and hope in a place that needs both.

With a new tower, stronger signal and highly-trained staff, Vision Africa will be able to reach more and more people in need, sharing love in places where hope is more important than ever.

For a video of radio testimonials you can visit www.visionafrica.org.

Nigeria News of Different Type

2010-04-14T06:54:00.002-04:00

It is easy to focus on the struggles of a developing country when you follow only the news media. What if you follow alternative media like blogs and social networking sites?

Read this story from a young supporter of Vision Africa Radio and you'll see that real change and real development begins at the personal level - one person at a time.

That's why Vision Africa's ministries strive to reach people in so many different ways: Radio, Medical Outreach, Leadership Training, Church Planting. Vision Africa has found fertile ground in Nigeria because it is a great nation filled with loving people.

Nigerian President Jonathan Visits U.S.

2010-04-13T13:59:00.003-04:00

You may have heard that Acting President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan recently made his first visit to the U.S. in his role as leader of Nigeria.

In Washington, D.C., for the Nuclear Security Summit, he was granted an audience with U.S. President Barack Obama where they discussed the issue of upcoming national elections.

Vision Africa supports free and fair elections, and we encourage people to stay involved in the democratic process. Vision Africa's leadership training has helped thousands of Nigerians learn how to solve community problems and voting can be a critical part of that process.

In addition to the upcoming elections, we hope that Jonathan and Obama found time to discuss the twin problems of HIV/AIDS and Malaria in Nigeria. Vision Africa is working to make a difference in all three areas.

Vision Africa Radio Reaching People

2010-03-26T15:32:00.003-04:00

Meet Okoye Nkemjika Joseph from Anambra State, Nigeria:

We came to know Mr. Joseph through a blog post he wrote recently. It turns out that he is an avid Vision Africa Radio listener, and one of our lifestyle programs really caught his attention.

We can all appreciate that Vision Africa Radio is encouraging responsible behavior and sparking serious debates on LOVE 104.1 FM.

Promise in the Niger Delta

2010-03-25T09:55:00.003-04:00

For most of the last decade, Vision Africa has been broadcasting messages of peace and hope deep into the Niger Delta through LOVE 104.1FM.

The station has been terrifically popular and a beacon for people living in a place where it is so easy to be lost.

Today the Delta is the main source of Nigeria's material wealth and the engine of the economy. For the destitute people of the region, there is a major disconnect between the immense wealth beneath their feet and the opportunities they see before their eyes.

Hundreds of militant groups have sprung up in response to this difficult situation, and the government of Nigeria has recently taken unprecedented positive steps to engage the militants and curb the violence.

Yet, there have been significant delays in fulfilling the promises made by the government.

We hope that Vision Africa and LOVE 104.1FM will be part of the solution for these troubling problems. If you would like to support Bishop Sunday, Vision Africa and LOVE 104.1FM, click here.

Muslim North, Christian South?

2010-03-23T13:18:00.003-04:00

Nigeria is indeed a complex country, so many people try to simplify it. But a thoughtful opinion piece from This Day Online reminds us that simple geography can't explain the fullness of tribal heritage, ethnicity and religion in Nigeria.

Take a moment to learn more about Bishop Sunday's homeland and the people Vision Africa serves every day.

Nigeria: Acting President Dissolves Cabinet

2010-03-17T15:15:00.004-04:00

The startling news just broke that the Acting President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has sacked the cabinet.

We will share Bishop Sunday's thoughts on the matter as soon as we are able.

Nigeria's acting president dissolves Cabinet
By BASHIR ADIGUN and JON GAMBRELL, Associated Press Writers Bashir Adigun And Jon Gambrell,
Associated Press Writers 52 mins ago

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria's acting president dissolved the Cabinet on Wednesday, purging top officials loyal to the nation's ill president in his first major act since taking over the young democracy's highest office more than a month ago.

Information Minister Dora Akunyili announced the decision by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan at the same time that the state-run broadcaster broke the news to citizens long confused about who remained in charge of the oil-rich nation. Akunyili said Jonathan would issue a statement soon on who will now serve in the Cabinet.

"The acting president gives no reason for the dissolution," Akunyili told reporters Wednesday night. "There is no vacuum in the government as permanent secretaries will take charge."

The Cabinet remained stocked with loyalists of President Umaru Yar'Adua, a Muslim from the country's north. Some cabinet members had begun to shift allegiances from Yar'Adua to Jonathan, a Christian from the country's south, as time passed. Akunyili herself had previously circulated a memo to the cabinet calling on it to install Jonathan as acting president — providing a rare public voice for those uncomfortable with Yar'Adua's long absence from the country.

The move is the first major step by Jonathan, a quiet 52-year-old biologist from the Niger Delta who largely remained quiet as a constitutional crisis gripped the nation over Yar'Adua's absence. Yar'Adua left Nigeria in late November for medical treatment at a Saudi Arabian hospital over what his physician described as serious heart condition.

Though the nation's constitution offers clear steps for president to hand over power in his absence, Yar'Adua chose not to implement them. For months, many wondered how Yar'Adua would rule Africa's most populous nation from abroad.

The National Assembly empowered Jonathan to become acting president in a vote Feb. 9. Two weeks later, Yar'Adua's handlers apparently whisked the ill president back to the presidential palace in an ambulance surrounded by a military convoy. However, Yar'Adua still has not been seen publicly since returning.

Jonathan largely shied away from making major decisions since becoming acting president, though he did move some cabinet ministers loyal to Yar'Adua into new positions. While fears of a coup permeated the country, which has a long history of military dictators, top officials in the armed forces promised not to intervene.

Those forces likely will be kept at bay, even with Jonathan asserting more power, said analyst Charles Dokubo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

"I think the Nigerian people have been so quiet and have been allowing things to unfold in an evolutionary manner," Dokubo told The Associated Press. Yar'Adua supporters "might make noise about it, but I don't think it will lead to any other upheaval or anarchy in the country."

Still Jonathan remains largely unknown in Nigeria, a former deputy state governor who rose to the governor's office after his predecessor was indicted on corruption charges. Now, as Yar'Adua remains ill and unseen, Jonathan finds himself at the helm as the West African country faces endemic corruption, simmering militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta and long-running religious tensions that have led to hundreds of deaths in recent months.

Growth with Equity

2010-03-14T15:58:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the indispensable blog
Nigeria Health Watch for pointing us to the U.N. Development Report on Nigeria.

This quote from the Nigeria report says it all:

"The poverty problem in [Nigeria] is partly a feature of high inequality which manifests in highly unequal income distribution and differential access to basic infrastructure, education, training and job opportunities." - UNDP Human Development Report, 2008-2009

This report reinforces the idea that the faith community must be a front-line partner in addressing these tough issues. Vision Africa walks the walk in this regard, providing leadership training to young people and even generating skilled jobs and mentorship through our radio station Love 104.1 FM.

The full report is available here.

How can you help Nigeria grow with equity?

Good News on HIV/AIDS

2010-02-23T10:38:00.002-05:00

With unprecedented focus from world governments, international institutions, major donors and the best doctors and scientists in the world, the tide is slowly turning against HIV/AIDS.

The British newspaper The Independent asked the question yesterday,"is the end in sight?"

Read the story here, to find out how use of Anti-Retroviral Therapy combined with comprehensive care can extend lives and prevent the spread of the disease.

Vision Africa provides comprehensive care to victims of HIV/AIDS every day in Nigeria. As an implementing partner in the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we have served more than 5,000 people living with HIV/AIDS as well as their families, friends and communities.

We are blessed to be a part of life-saving work in a place of great need.

USAID Trains Vision Africa

2010-02-09T11:56:00.004-05:00

Bishop Sunday checked in last week from Nigeria with good news about our growing relationship with the U.S. Agency for International Development:

"Vision Africa was invited to be part of the one week training from Sunday Jan 31st to Sat Feb 6th, 2010, on Leadership Development Program/capacity building on how to secure and manage USAID government funded programs. Elder Onyedi Udo, Paul Ihediwanma and Deconess Nkechi Akuma represented Vision Africa." -- Bishop Sunday

Vision Africa is a current partner with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Our little piece of PEPFAR funding comes through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With those funds Vision Africa is able to support a handful of staff in Enugu State, Nigeria, where we work with partners to provide comprehensive care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

We also work with families and communities to prevent the spread of the virus - particularly from mother to child. This is life-saving work and we are always on the look out for ways that we can do more.

Enter USAID!

This year, we intend to apply for a significant grant to operate a multi-state HIV/AIDS prevention program in Nigeria where the disease is rampant.

Support from individuals like you helps Bishop Sunday and Vision Africa make these efforts possible.

Thank you!

Radio Upgrade Plan Approved

2010-01-18T17:09:00.005-05:00

Volunteers and staff in the U.S. worked with Bishop Sunday and U.S.-based radio partner KSBJ-Houston for years assessing needs and solutions for upgrading Love 104.1 FM. With grants from the Murchison Foundation, we can begin to meet those needs.

Clearly, the people will benefit from a stronger, more reliable signal from the station. And after several years of invaluable start-up assistance, KSBJ-Houston has agreed to provide a 3-month training course for our Nigerian radio staff at KSBJ headquarters in Houston.

In Nigeria, a country of government controlled radio stations, Vision Africa's Love 104.1 FM stands as a light "Sharing God's Love" to a potential population of 20 million. The desperately needed upgrades for our tower, our equipment and our staff will significantly boost signal strength, reliability and quality.

Thanks to your support, the multitudes will hear God's Word for their lives.

Click to view our video about Vision Africa Radio.

Faith Leaders Cooperate to End Malaria

2010-01-18T16:04:00.004-05:00

At last month's launch of Faiths United for Health, the Sultan of Sokoto (Nigeria's most senior Muslim leader) and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja joined hands to kick-off the training of an initial, core group of 100 faith leaders. Members of this core group plan to fan out across Nigeria, training a cadre of their peers, who will train yet another group, and so on, until at least 300,000 have been mobilized to spread the life-saving message that Nigerians can defeat malaria through the use of bed nets.

Many Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, believe that malaria is caused by too much work or too much sunshine; so, the faith-leaders first task will be as health-educators. And, that's not their only hurdle. Nigerians have lived with malaria for so many generations that they tend to accept it as a normal part of life; overcoming this complacency will be a challenge.

There's reason for considerable optimism about the interfaith campaign. At the kick-off event in Abuja, the United Nations Special Envoy for Malaria, Mr. Ray Chambers, said it best: "Working together, Nigeria's faith leaders have the credibility, influence, and reach to...ensure that the next generation of Nigeria's children will have the strength and good health to pursue their hopes and dreams."

We are thrilled about these recent developments led by Vision Africa's Bishop Sunday, as he directs the newly formed Nigerian Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA). Through NIFAA, Vision Africa is putting its mark on what has been described as the largest Christian-Muslim collaboration in history, as the entire religious sector comes together to focus on Nigeria's fight against malaria.

While NIFAA helps to coordinate and train faith leaders, Vision Africa is now in a strong position to deliver new malaria programs as part of Nigeria's overall campaign.