Killing malaria, one LOL at a time

A group called Malaria No More has engaged a large group of American entertainers to laugh in the face of death — and spread awareness of a deadly disease.

Malaria has essentially been wiped out on North America for decades, but it continues to kill thousands of people a day in places like Africa.

According to Malaria No More:

"Comedy Fights Malaria shows that the disease is no laughing matter — every 45 seconds, a child in Africa dies from malaria — but humor can keep malaria in the spotlight and in the conversation. The result is always amusing, often absurd and sometimes downright bizarre messages from a broad range of stars.

"Our goal is to engage people in a new way of talking about malaria and see how each person can contribute their own unique skills to keep malaria at the forefront of the conversation."

Look for Aziz Ansari, Will Arnett, Lake Bell, Orlando Bloom, Elizabeth Banks, Ted Danson, Lisa Edelstein, Sarah Gilbert, Elliott Gould, Josh Groban, Rachel Harris, Ed Helms, Rob Huebel, Ellie Kemper, Nick Kroll, Natasha Leggero, Riki Lindhome, John Mayer, B.J. Novak, Jeremy Piven, Jeff Probst, Rob Riggle, Paul Scheer, Jason Schwartzman and Scott Wolf:







What do you think of comedy being used to fight tragedy? (Even absurd, lightweight, too often unfunny humour li

ke this.) Is it appropriate? And more importantly, will it work?

As far as this specific NGO is concerned, awareness is a key step in achieving their ambitious vision:

"We’re determined to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015—and we’re helping the world get it done. Malaria No More leverages high-impact awareness campaigns to engage the world, global advocacy to rally leadership and strategic investments in Africa to accelerate progress, build capacity and save lives."

For your part, you are encouraged to join them on Facebook, Tweet the cause, and/or donate.