Video game goes after malaria

Last month I reported on a charity game that went to help children with serious illnesses. It's good to see someone else doing a similar thing -- this time, the United Nations Foundation is combatting malaria with a game called "Deliver the Net" in light of World Malaria Day this April 25.

The "Nothing But Nets" campaign is aimed to help supply "bed nets" to African citizens to help combat the disease, which is a number one killer of children in the country. All you have to do is play the game (though you can even skip it and just send a net). Optionally, you can send additonal nets for $10 each (or donate much larger amounts) by credit card. Over 6000 have been sent as of yet.

The story behind all of this is really quite something too. Apparently it all began with a Sports Illustrated column:

"While the UN Foundation has been working with the UN to fight malaria for years, it was a column that Rick Reilly wrote about malaria in Sports Illustrated, challenging each of his readers to donate at least $10 for the purchase of an anti-malaria bed nets -- and the incredible response from thousands of Americans across the country -- that led to the creation the Nothing But Nets campaign."

"The reaction to Reilly's 815 words made clear that thousands of people were ready to help the million children dying unnecessarily each year of malaria. Within a few short months, Nothing But Nets raised over 1 million dollars. And so Nothing But Nets was born."

Of course, if you're really motivated, there's lots else you can do to help as well. All the appropriate information can be found through the source. As well, a brief video on the campaign can be found here: