African business takes on malaria

[April 23, 2010]  JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- An African bank, communications giant and popular chicken restaurant chain are taking on malaria, saying their business expertise might be the missing weapon in the fight against a disease that kills 1 million annually.

South Africa's Standard Bank, cell phone company MTN and Nando's restaurants outlined their partnership with the United Against Malaria campaign Friday. United Against Malaria's aid groups are using South Africa's World Cup as a platform for raising funds and spreading messages about treatment and prevention.

Business leaders say they know how to get information and services to customers despite Africa's weak infrastructure.

Nine of every 10 malaria deaths a year are in Africa, most of those are children.

[Associated Press]

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