Choi Kwang Do Joins Forces With Malaria Foundation International

Choi Kwang Do Martial Art International is proud to announce its partnership with the Malaria Foundation International (MFI), and support the foundation’s End Malaria – Blue Ribbon Campaign.  Grandmaster Choi met recently with Dr. Mary Galinski, the Founder and President of the MFI, and both shared their organizational and personal visions regarding the health and well being of people across the globe.  This meeting established a rapport and mutual desire to support each other’s goals.  The Malaria Foundation’s mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of solutions to the health, economic and social problems caused by malaria.  The organization tackles malaria from many vantage points, working with partners around the world.  Dr. Galinski was impressed with the basic Principles of Choi Kwang Do and indicated her firm belief that such principles are vital to conquering malaria.

Malaria is an ancient disease that remains present in over 100 countries, predominantly in Africa, Asia and the Americas.  Close to half the world’s population lives at risk of infection from the bite of a malaria-carrying female Anopheline mosquito.  Over 500 million clinical cases occur each year, with over one million cases resulting in death.  Children, pregnant women and non-immune adults are most vulnerable.  Individuals, families, communities and nations suffer the consequences of the physical and emotional ramifications of this disease.  While malaria is the most predominant infectious parasitic disease in the world, with a devastating 3,000 lives lost each day, this disease largely goes unnoticed.  The Malaria Foundation International’s End Malaria - Blue Ribbon Campaign aims to bring heightened global awareness, knowledge and solutions to the world’s efforts to combat malaria. 

Dr. Galinski wears a few professional hats – and is now taking interest in working towards her black belt!  She is a Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Global Health at Emory University in Atlanta, where she also established and leads the university’s International Center for Malaria Research and Education (ICMRE).  Her academic goals at Emory University are very complimentary to her role leading the MFI.  “Research, education and advocacy underpin the world’s progress against malaria”, says Dr. Galinski.   “Malaria is a scientifically complex, widespread and persistent disease, and we need to think out of the box if we are going to end this scourge”.   She encourages new passionate students and leaders of all ages and backgrounds to rise up and help tackle different aspects of the malaria problem, whether scientific, medical, social, educational, financial, or political.

Over the past 20 years, Grandmaster Choi and Dr. Galinski have been building networks of people worldwide in support of their distinct visions.  Their recent meeting was energized and hopeful with a sense of unity and common purpose to promote global health.  There is no malaria vaccine yet, and drug resistance is a widespread problem.  Global attention on malaria has been minimal until recent years.  The prospects are now outstanding for substantial increased global financial support, new partnerships, and progress.  Everyone is welcome to join together in unity in this special fight – with the interest and well being of human kind in mind.  The End Malaria - Blue Ribbon is a universal unifying awareness symbol of inspiration, hope and strength.