Elijah’s Battle Against Malaria at Ebenezer Children’s Home

Tuesday, May 27

7:00 am

Dr Daniel & Mary Beth Gilbert

Elijah wakes with a start, his small hand instinctively checking the edges of his mosquito net. The thin mesh barrier, tucked carefully beneath his mattress, has become his nightly shield in a battle he cannot see but knows all too well.

Elijah, age 13, lowers his mosquito net at Ebenezer Children’s Home in Siaya, Kenya—a nightly act of protection made possible by your support.

It is a battle he is winning, thanks to you!

At thirteen, Elijah has already faced malaria before. Each episode is etched in his memory: the violent shivering despite Siaya’s humid heat, the pounding headaches that make even opening his eyes painful, the weakness that leaves him bedridden for days.

“The last time was the worst,” Elijah confides.

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups for malaria infection and mortality in Africa.

Living in Malaria’s Shadow

At Ebenezer Children’s Home & Word Academy in Siaya, Kenya, malaria isn’t just a disease—it’s a constant intruder.

Director Paul Ocheing explains the gravity of their situation: “Because we are in a tropical region of Kenya, we are prone to all sorts of mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that breed malaria grow the most rapidly here.”

The threat is so pervasive that local medical facilities operate under a standing protocol. “The first thing they will test when you arrive is your fever, then check if you’ve got malaria before they go to any other thing,” Paul explains.

For Elijah and his 53 housemates at Ebenezer, this reality shapes daily life. Each evening as the sun sets, the children perform what has become a sacred ritual—carefully lowering their mosquito nets, meticulously checking for tears, and tucking the edges beneath their mattresses.

The Breeding Ground Next Door

From Elijah’s dormitory window, he can see the source of their struggle—a seasonal water catchment that lies between Ebenezer Children’s Home and the neighboring public school.

“During rainy season, it becomes a little lake,” Pastor Paul explains.

This natural depression collects rainwater, creating an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even during dry seasons, portions remain damp enough to sustain the insects’ lifecycle.

The orphanage and school’s proximity constantly exposes children.

The Fragile Defense

Elijah’s current mosquito net—his second this year—already shows signs of wear. Small tears have been carefully repaired with thread, but its effectiveness is waning.

“They don’t last long,” Pastor Paul confirms. “In a year, we need two or three sets per child to take them through the year.”

Beyond the Nets

The staff at Ebenezer fight this battle on multiple fronts. When funds allow, they spray the property with insecticide—a temporary solution that costs approximately $100 per application and must be repeated quarterly.

“The spray is quite expensive,” Paul notes. “And it has to be done a minimum of four times a year because it is temporary. After every three months, we spray again. Sometimes, when we are able, we do. Sometimes we cannot.”

Dreams Beyond Malaria

Despite these challenges, Elijah remains focused on his future. A talented mathematics student, he dreams of becoming an engineer.

“I want to build bridges,” he says.

For the children of Ebenezer, these simple nets represent more than protection from disease. They are tangible reminders that someone cares enough to keep them safe, to ensure their dreams have a chance to take flight—beyond the reach of mosquitoes and the malaria they carry.

Through your support, children like Elijah can sleep safely under protective nets. Each $15 donation provides a child with mosquito nets for an entire year, helping them stay healthy and focused on their education rather than fighting preventable illness.