Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Roma (Agenzia Fides) - “Let’s stop the silent massacre”. This was the message launched during a charity dinner organised by Capuchin Friar Donato Ramolo, at San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy. The evening was part of a programme to eradicate malaria of which little is spoken despite the fact that 300 million cases are registered every year and with TB and AIDS malaria is one of the world’s main health emergencies today. The situation is especially serious in Africa, a continent which claims 90% of the victims on the planet. Most of those who develop malaria never recover.
Malaria kills two million people every year in Africa, one child every 30 seconds.
The proceeds of the charity evening will be sent to the diocese of Gorè, in Chad, to purchase means of prevention to reduce cases of malaria, for example distribution to vulnerable persons, women and children, of mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide.
“If all the children in Africa were protected by mosquito nets - the programme leader said - half a million children could be saved every year”.
The evening’s proceedings will also serve to fund health education, sanitation, drains and water wells and to guarantee anti-Malaria treatment for children and pregnant mothers.
Capuchins have been on mission in Chad for over 40 years in the religious province of “Sant’Angelo e Padre Pio”. The first four missionaries set out in 1965 with the blessing of Padre Pio, today a Saint. Their number gradually increased.
In 1999 when Pope John Paul II created the diocese of Gore to meeting the pastoral needs of the growing Catholic community, he chose Capuchin Friar Rosario Pio Ramolo as the first Bishop of Gore. (AP) (12/1/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:30; Parole:362)
