I am delighted to announce that Rotarian James (Jim) Hely has joined our Board of Directors as our new Vice Chair. This appointment, approved unanimously by the full Board, fills this important open position.
Jim is a Paul Harris Fellow and currently serves as President of the Rotary Club of Westfield, New Jersey, USA. He is a retired New Jersey Superior Court judge, accomplished trial attorney, author, and longtime public servant. A graduate of Gettysburg College and Rutgers Law School, he practiced law for 29 years before serving as a Superior Court judge. His public service includes six terms on the Westfield Town Council and a landmark achievement in child safety: drafting the first statewide bicycle helmet law in the United States, which helped inspire similar laws nationwide. He has also authored two influential legal books, including one on “trustworthiness”, a subject that has particular relevance to Rotary and to everything we strive to accomplish through our service.
We are very pleased to have Jim bring his experience, leadership, and commitment to our Board. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Jim Hely as our new Vice Chair.
Dan Perlman Chair, Rotarians Against Malaria–Global Rotary Action Group
New WHO guidelines for Malaria Treatment This formulation, known as "Coartem Baby", is the first antimalarial that is specifically designed for newborns and young infants weighing 2–5 kg.
Developed by Novartis, with scientific and financial support from Medicines for Malaria Ventures (MMV), who were instrumental in finding an approved malaria treatment for those young vulnerable infants falling into the above referenced weight category, this has enormous potential to save even more lives. Prior to Coartem, this category of young infants had been treated with formulations designed for use in older children, perhaps increasing the risk of either underdose and treatment failure or overdose and toxicity.
Malaria: An Ancient Disease, A Young Pharmacist’s Fight
Those living in endemic countries, severely impacted by the scourge of malaria, look to seek alternatives besides vaccines, genetic modification of mosquitoes, spraying and fumigation and more. While alternative opportunities require long periods of research and dead-ends at times, we applaud young individuals who have decided to dedicate their lives to improving the lives of others. A 24 year old Ugandan pharmacist named Joe Felix Ochom, has been hard at work developing a plant-derived antimalarial candidate, called Maisha. His efforts have been through significant testing and he is waiting for approval from the National Drug Authority in Uganda.
Vector Control: “FINDING THE MOSQUITOES THAT MATTER: HOW SURVEILLANCE HELPS GHANA STAY AHEAD OF MALARIA” Rotarian & RAM-Global member Christopher Mfum Owusu-Asenso, PhD
The following article exemplifies the powerful dedication of in-country Rotarians in their efforts to Fight Malaria From All Fronts. Christopher Mfum Owusu-Asenso, a RAM-Global member in Ghana explains the extraordinary steps taken in-country.
Heading to the ASTMH Annual Meeting, November 18–22, near Washington, DC? Visit the RAM-Global booth and join our special symposium on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 a.m. at the Gaylord Convention Center, National Harbor.
Discover how community-led approaches, innovative problem-solving, and global partnerships can strengthen health delivery and advance the fight against malaria.
As part of our commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability to our membership, RAM-Global is pleased to share our annual Rotary Action Group audit and financial reporting for the 2025–26 Rotary year, which was submitted to RI prior to October 1, 2026.
We appreciate the continued support of our members and remain committed to the responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to RAM-Global as we work together to Fight Malaria From All Fronts.
New Giving Opportunity: Support RAM-Global Through Your IRA. A Tax-Smart Way for Our U.S. Supporters to Fight Malaria.
As you begin your year-end tax planning, consider using your IRA to support RAM-Global while potentially saving significant tax dollars!
If you are age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to RAM-Global. Your gift may also count toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), while helping fund vital grants supporting malaria prevention and control projects around the world.
You can also make your donation in honor or memory of someone special, making your generosity even more meaningful.
Turn your retirement savings into lasting impact! Learn more about this new giving opportunity, its potential U.S. tax benefits, and how to make your donation.
