Exclusive: Photos of George W Bush, Dikembe Mutombo and Other anti-Malaria Champions on Display at the UN

Monday, April 25 is World Malaria Day. This year, our friends at Nothing But Nets, UN Foundation and the Roll Back Malaria partnership are highlighting the work of individuals around the world who have dedicated themselves to the fight against Malaria.

An interactive photo exhibit at the United Nations will open on World Malaria Day and run through May 22.  The photos of “Champions to End Malaria” were taken by the world-renowned photographer Platon, who is a staff photographer for The New Yorker.

UN Dispatch was treated to an exclusive sneak-preview of some of the photos that will be on display next week.  Your “champions” include:

George W. Bush, who founded the Presidential Malaria Initiative, directing millions of American dollars to the fight against Malaria.

Dikembe Mutombo, the Congolese-American basketball star and longtime Malaria activist.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the South African singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

UN Foundation founder Ted Turner.

UN Special Envoy for Malaria Ray Chambers, who was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in an article written by the actress and PSI board member Ashley Judd.

Visit Nothing But Nets for the rest of the photos. And if you are in New York, stop by the UN to see the exhibition in full.

UPDATE: Our friends at the UN Foundation pass along a recording of a press conference call that occurred earlier today, in advance of World Malaria Day.  Ray Chambers, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Malaria; Rick Reilly, Sports Columnist; Dr. Awa Marie Coll-Seck, Executive Director, Roll Back Malaria Partnership; and Elizabeth Gore, Executive Director, Global Partnerships, UN Foundation discuss the exhibit and the global fight against Malaria.  Have a listen!

Malaria Champions Malaria Day Call by UN Dispatch