Comic Relief

On April 23rd 2009, Comic Relief in the UK announced that it will contribute £2 million over a two year period to the Global Fund, with funds being directed to support the fight against malaria in Zambia. The funds were raised from the UK public during Comic Relief's biennial fundraiser 'Red Nose Day', which is the largest regular single day charity fundraising event globally. The Comic Relief contribution will be directed towards the Global Fund Round 7 malaria grant in Zambia.

The funds are part of a larger £6.3m grant from Comic Relief, provided to both the Global Fund and the Malaria Consortium for the purchase and distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and will support programs in Africa to strengthen health services and educate people to spot early symptoms of malaria.

Beyond the important funds raised, such partnerships have provided invaluable public advocacy engaging millions of hearts and minds in the fight against the three killer epidemics.

“Through our Red Nose Day campaign 2009, Comic Relief brought the issue of Malaria to millions of people across the UK – at home, at work and in school. Working with the Global Fund gives us confidence that money will be well spent, with credible and effective partners in Africa and we are delighted to be supporting Zambia’s Malaria Control programme.”
Kevin Cahill, Comic Relief CEO