In a recent edition, TIME surveyed the highs and lows, the good and the bad, of the past 12 months. In the category “Top Medical Breakthroughs,” the first-ever malaria vaccine came in at #2 on the list.

The vaccine, which has succeed in clinical trials, marks the first of its kind against malaria, a disease that kills nearly a million people each year. While it holds great promise for the future, we must continue to provide resources for life-saving prevention and treatment of malaria. To help today, click here and give the gift of life.

Top Medical Breakthroughs of 2011

1. Scientists Use Cloning to Create Stem Cells
2. FIRST-EVER MALARIA VACCINE
3. HIV Treatment as Prevention 
4. The Food Pyramid Becomes a Plate
5. Body Parts Grown in a Lab

Click here to read the full article >>

The World Health Organization has released its 2011 World Malaria Report, which offers some key findings in our fight against this killer disease. This annual report details everything from global incidence/ mortality rates, prevention, treatment and funding for malaria programs. View and download the report >> WHO World Malaria Report 2011

Here is an overview of the key findings of the report:

• An estimated 3.3 billion people throughout the globe were at risk of malaria in 2010.

• Malaria has been reduced worldwide by approximately 17% since 2000.

• 91% of all malaria deaths worldwide occur in Africa.

• Delivery of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) has risen from 5.6 million in 2004 to 145 million in 2010.

• It is estimated that 50% of Africa households own at least one bed net – with 96% actually using it to prevent malaria.

• The most effective treatment for malaria (ACT) has increased in availability from 11.2 million in 2005 to 181 million in 2010.

• Although malaria incidence and death is declining, so is the projected funding to fight the disease. We must increase funding to achieve our goal!

In summary, because of your generosity and support, progress is being made against malaria. Countless children are alive today due to your work and commitment to this cause. While we all eagerly look forward to a day when malaria is no longer a health issue, we continue to put our faith into action against is needless killer disease.

Get Involved Today! A donation to Imagine No Malaria makes a great stocking stuffer! Click here to give the gift of life in honor of someone special in your life.

Still looking for a great gift idea? Got a hard-to-shop-for person on your list?

Why not honor someone important to you with a gift to Imagine No Malaria? This life-saving donation is a great way to truly live the joy of the holiday season.

Click here to give the gift of life today.

Then, download and print a special Imagine No Malaria insert to include in your greeting card.

Your contribution to Imagine No Malaria helps fight a disease that kills a child in Africa every 45 seconds. Your gift is used to build sustainable infrastructure, train health workers, implement comprehensive malaria programs and of course providing mosquito nets to families in Africa. With your support we will eliminate malaria as a major source of death and suffering in Africa.

Every year, December 1st is recognized throughout the globe as World AIDS Day.  In 2011, we take a moment to pray for the millions of people who suffer from this disease.

AIDS and malaria are both diseases of poverty – they are responsible for more than 3 million deaths per year.  Here are some facts to consider:

• The effectiveness of anti-malarial treatment can be hampered by HIV infection.
• Malaria causes anemia, which requires blood transfusion to treat. This procedure, done in areas where effective blood screening is not accessible, can lead to HIV infection.
• Both diseases are preventable and treatable.
• Malaria and AIDS are widely prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas (like sub-Saharan Africa)
• The work of Imagine No Malaria will help fight both diseases: building infrastructure and increasing capacity to fight disease in Africa.

Please support Imagine No Malaria. Donate here today.

For more information on how The UMC is fighting AIDS, please visit UMCOR online: click here