Cross Blog

Girl Scouts learn more about Measles and Malaria initiatives

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

On Saturday, Feb. 28, Girl Scouts around the nation, including Girl Scouts in Charlotte, Mecklenburg District 19, celebrated different cultures from around the world and raised monies to support local, national and international charities. The American Red Cross, Greater Carolinas Chapter, will be one of the organizations that will receive a donation from the World Thinking Day event. The girls, from Daisies to Teen Girl Scouts, researched different countries, learned about the cultures of the nations and made delicatesses to sell to one another and participating parents.

Sam Migit, a volunteer from the American Red Cross, raised awareness during District 19’s World Thinking Day by talking to the Girl Scouts about the Measles and Malaria Initiatives the American Red Cross implements worldwide. The girls learned what measles and malaria are, how awareness of vaccinations is raised internationally and how important it is for children worldwide to be vaccinated to eliminate these deadly diseases. District 19 also learned how their school, church or other youth organization can get active and get involved in promoting the Measles and Malaria Initiatives.

The Measles Initiative is a partnership committed to reducing measles and malaria deaths globally. Started in 2001, the Measles Initiative - led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization - provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns worldwide.  For more information or to make a donation, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.