He is a footballing legend, known for his charity work and for being a devoted father to four beautiful children.
And David Beckham has lent his support to the fight against deadly disease malaria with the launch of a global campaign, highlighting how hundreds of thousands of people still die from the world’s oldest disease, which can easily be prevented.
To launch the Malaria Must Die – So Millions Can Live campaign, the 43-year-old sportsman stars in a haunting video which shows him under attack by a swarm of 10,000 mosquitoes while confined in a small glass box.
Charity campaigner: David Beckham has lent his support to the fight against deadly disease Malaria with the launch of a global campaign, highlighting how hundreds of thousands of people still die from the world’s oldest disease, which can easily be prevented
Hitting back: As part of the Malaria Must Die – So Millions Can Live campaign, the sportsman stars in a haunting video which shows him under attack by a swarm of 10,000 mosquitoes while confined in a small glass box
The campaign, which will launch on February 7, takes place 70 days ahead of The Malaria Summit which is taking place in London, and calls on the 52 heads of the Commonwealth to stand up and review their commitment to take action against this disease.
Writing from his perspective as a father, the star said: ‘As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating, life-shattering impact the disease can have for families in Sierra Leone and South Africa.
Parents who have lost their children, the greatest pain, and it could have been prevented. As a Dad I just can’t imagine living with the knowledge that your child could catch a deadly disease overnight.
‘The reality of putting your son or daughter to bed knowing that when they wake up they could be infected because of a single, stoppable bite must be unbelievably stressful. And at the heart of that worry is a disease that’s utterly preventable and costs less than a cup of tea to treat.’
Voice: The campaign, which will launch on February 7, takes place 70 days ahead of The Malaria Summit which is taking place in London, and calls on the 52 heads of the Commonwealth to stand up and review their commitment to take action against this disease
David first got involved with the cause at the launch of Malaria No More nearly a decade ago, when he played tennis at Wembley Stadium over the world’s longest mosquito net with Andy Murray.
He said: ‘A lot’s happened since then – we’ve won trophies, celebrated Olympics and grown our families! But it’s in the fight against malaria where most has changed – since the year 2000 child deaths from this awful disease have been slashed by more than 60%.
‘That’s amazing progress and proof that the UK’s generosity when it comes to giving aid makes a real difference to real lives. We’ve a lot to proud of.’
The star said he was concerned after deaths from malaria started to rise, saying: ‘I was worried by the news at the end of 2017 – for the first time in many years, progress to save lives from malaria stalled, and deaths looked to be rising again.
‘That’s why I joined forces with Ridley Scott’s team to create a film to launch a new global malaria campaign. We want to show how an insect that we often consider annoying, the mosquito, is still the deadliest animal on earth, taking around half a million lives a year.
Poignant: Writing from his perspective as a father, the star said: ‘As a Dad I just can’t imagine living with the knowledge that your child could catch a deadly disease overnight’
Concern: He said: ‘That’s why I joined forces with Ridley Scott’s team to create a film to launch a new global malaria campaign. We want to show how an insect that we often consider annoying, the mosquito, is still the deadliest animal on earth, taking around half a million lives a year’
‘It is terrifying being surrounded by something that could end a life with just one tiny bite. I think they’ve done an impressive job to bring that threat home along with the positive message that we can beat malaria – our oldest and deadliest enemy which some experts say has killed up to half of all people who have ever lived.
”Just let that sink in – by acting now we have within our reach the ability to end a disease that some say has taken half the people who have ever lived.
In many parts of Africa, malaria stops children from going to school and cuts people’s salaries by 25 per cent.
He said: ”Beating malaria will not only save millions of lives, it’s a no brainer on the financial front too. Every £1 invested in fighting malaria gives back £36 back to communities and economies. That’s a remarkable return.
Focus: He said: ‘It is terrifying being surrounded by something that could end a life with just one tiny bite’
‘In 70 days, 51 world leaders will arrive in London for a Commonwealth Summit hosted by the UK. With 90% of Commonwealth citizens living in countries affected by malaria, these leaders have an incredible chance to lead the way, change the course of history and save millions of lives by uniting to fight malaria. I am proud to be attending what I hope will be the biggest malaria event of the decade.
‘We need as many voices as possible to come together and you and I can make a difference right now – and all it’ll cost you is 30 seconds of your time.
The star urged fans to visit www.malariamustdie.org to show their support for the campaign.
Father of four: He said: ”Just let that sink in – by acting now we have within our reach the ability to end a disease that some say has taken half the people who have ever lived.’