Confederation of African Football Names United Against Malaria an Official Social Program of 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations

- Football tournament will integrate malaria prevention and treatment messages, helping protect millions of fans across Africa

NEW YORK, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today on World Malaria Day, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) named the United Against Malaria (UAM) campaign an official social program of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations, being held in South Africa early next year. Although preventable and treatable, malaria kills a child in Africa every 60 seconds. By tapping into the popularity and excitement surrounding Africa's signature tournament, CAF and UAM have partnered to disseminate life-saving malaria prevention and treatment messages to millions of fans across the continent.

"In order for Africa to compete on the global football pitch, we must have players and communities that are free of malaria," said Mr. Hicham El Amrani, secretary general of CAF. "We are committed to using the popularity of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations tournament to raise awareness and increase the fight against this devastating disease."

With CAF's support, UAM will develop and distribute local and pan-African public service announcements (PSAs), delivered by African football stars, to educate millions of African football fans about malaria prevention and treatment. Research has shown that audiences retain and act on these messages more often when delivered by their football heroes.

"Football has the most passionate fan base in the world, and during the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations, we have an opportunity to channel that energy toward social good," said Mr. Leodegar Tenga, executive committee member of CAF and president of the Tanzanian Football Federation. "Through our partnership with United Against Malaria, we create a platform where fans not only remember the football skill on the pitch but the important messages that will help protect them and their loved ones from malaria."

The endorsement from CAF, which oversees the football activities of more than 50 African countries, represents an unprecedented opportunity to reach malaria-endemic populations. Building on the success of past football tournaments, such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2011 CECAFA Tusker Challenge Cup in Tanzania, UAM will also encourage the African private sector and political leadership to to play a greater role in stopping global malaria deaths, 91 percent of which occur in Africa.

"We are honored to have been selected as an official social cause of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations," said David Kyne, campaign manager of United Against Malaria. "We are so grateful to CAF for its active and ongoing support in the fight against malaria and for offering United Against Malaria such a powerful platform for improving and saving lives."

To learn more about UAM, please visit www.UnitedAgainstMalaria.org or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UnitedAgainstMalaria

About Malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. If left untreated, the infection in its most severe forms can lead to coma and death. Malaria is preventable and treatable, but continues to kill a child every 60 seconds and 655,000 people each year. More than 90 percent of these deaths occur in Africa, and the majority of them are children under the age of five. Furthermore, malaria contributes to the cycle of poverty and limits economic development.

About United Against Malaria

United Against Malaria is a partnership of football teams and heroes, celebrities, health and advocacy organizations, governments, corporations, and individuals who have united to win the fight against malaria. Our goal is to galvanize partners throughout the world to reach the international target of reducing deaths worldwide. For more information, please visit www.UnitedAgainstMalaria.org.

About Orange Africa Cup of Nations

The Orange Africa Cup of Nations is the continent's premiere football championship, organized biannually by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The 2013 tournament, hosted by South Africa from January 19 to February 10, will be followed by millions of fans in Africa and around the world. For more information, please visit www.Cafonline.com.