Who We Are
Founders, Kali Fairchild and Greg Pittman, met on a mission trip to Uganda during the summer of 2008. Upon their return, both Kali and Greg were so moved by their experiences, that they were driven to help those in need. Each of their personal convictions and passions is what has brought Operation Net to where it is today. Both have hearts eager to serve, a passion for preventing malaria and saving lives, and dreams and aspirations to have a lasting impact in the world.
Operation Net is focused on preventing malaria and ultimately ending deaths from malaria. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells. It is carried by mosquitoes and transmitted when that mosquito bites the skin of a human. Signs of malaria are similar to that of the flu. People with severe cases of malaria suffer from kidney failure, bleeding problems, comas, and eventually death. Malaria amplifies the severity of other diseases such as HIV and Tuberculosis. However, malaria is such a preventable disease! In Africa, 1 out of every 5 childhood deaths is due to malaria, making it the leading cause of childhood deaths in Africa. Malaria alone claims 3,000 lives every day. Nearly 500 million people become severely ill with malaria each year and approximately 1 million of those people die from the disease. Most shocking of all is that malaria kills a child every 45 seconds!
Mission
Our desire is to provide more than just nets. We want to provide networks. Operation Net does this by using native Ugandans and Haitians as in-country field directors. Having locals as representatives allows our organization to foster a sense of community as villagers receive nets and develop relationships with the field directors, who can in turn help villagers find needed assistance in varieties of areas. In addition, we give individuals, communities, churches, businesses, and other small organizations the opportunity to actually make a difference. We are a personal organization committed to saving lives and improving quality of Life. Again, Operation Net differs from other similar organizations in that we have a local, personal connection. Utilizing native field directors, we are able to provide nets as well as a social network to provide encouragement and connection for those in the villages adopted by Operations Net. Without the bureaucracy that plagues many similar, larger organizations, Operation Net is able to be more effective. No other organization offers a personal level of ministry similar to that of Operation Net. We also partner with churches in Uganda and Haiti giving them the opportunity to help distribute the nets–thus providing lasting spiritual and physical aid.
Mosquito Nets?
Mosquito nets are a vital tool in preventing the spread of malaria. All donations go directly to the distribution of mosquito nets. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, and mosquito nets are a key step in controlling the disease. Each net is large enough to protect up to four individuals, comfortably. However, our research shows that 5-7 people sleep under a single net on average. Operation Net uses non-toxic insecticide treated mosquito nets, which are more durable and more effective. Each net costs under $10!
How to Help
For less than $10.00, you can save the life of at least 4 people! Although it seems like a small amount, most Ugandans live on only $1.00 a day. “There’s no way I could ever help solve problems in Africa”, you say. Well you can, and Operation Net is here to help you to do just that! Spread the word about Operation Net and get everyone involved! Tell your friends, family, work, church, and school. Take action and make a difference in the world. By donating and supporting Operation Net you’re having a life-long impact on multiple people worldwide. Malaria is a burden facing our generation today. How will you help end malaria?
1) Donors and Sponsors–Operation Net is in need of corporate donors and individual sponsors to help us keep Operation Net “overhead free” and to launch our outreach initiatives in new countries.
2) Start a “NETwork”–NETworks are community awareness groups that assist Operation Net in spreading the word about malaria and what we are doing to prevent it. NETworks also assist in community projects, fundraising, and more.
3) Campus Clubs–Starting a campus club on your college campus is a huge help to Operation Net! Start fundraising campaigns, host a staff speaker, plan events, and more. Campus clubs are always a hit!
4) Host an Event–Hosting an event is simple. Be as creative as you like. You can organize a church bake sale, a community yard sale, or even an auction! Whatever you choose, we will come out to offer our support and to spread the word.
