Who is Charles Ssali?

Charles Ssali is an Icon in my eyes. This 12 year old has traveled the world talking to presidents, leaders, policy makers and pushers, literally everyone who cares to listen to commit to the fight against Malaria. He is the Ambassador of the “united malaria campaign” and the “Roll back Malaria Partnership”

I had a chance to speak to Charles when he ran by my office to drop off something and I realized something; Charles was a symbol of a brave new generation who were taking the fight to the world saying
"Its not enough to give Aid"; commit to see the end of Malaria-related deaths in the next five years. On his phone there are pictures of Charles standing with David Beckham, the President of WHO and other dignitaries.

I have questions with the fact that the campaign is funded by an American organization and that no African organization could have funded this. Or they could have but maybe oil-rich Libya, or Egypt or South Africa don't struggle with Malaria as much as we do.

In my tropical sub-Saharan country, Uganda, everyone is a survivor of malaria. In fact one of my American friends considered it a "badge of honour" to suffer from the parasites. Then I think about all the 8 million people who die every year across the continent because everyone on the planet will not commit to kicking out a parasite-driven disease denying us of our happiness.

Charles's story is an amazing story of triumph over extreme hardships, his guardian tells his story with teary eyes. He carries a sombre undercurrent about him and yet his smile, like a bolt, emerges when you talk about football. His life, his passion, his dream. He is not just an African boy chosen to carry a campaign. If they had searched the whole continent, I don't think a worthier candidate could have been found for his is indeed a story to fall in love with.

This Christmas, as you go through your new year's resolutions, Please commit to see to the end of Malaria, in your voice, talking to your people. We kicked polio out of Uganda, there is no reason why Malaria should stay.

If not for Charles Ssali, then do it for the hundreds of thousands of kids across the planet who need the chance to grow up and learn of David Beckham, or Samuel E'too, or even, Brian Umony. Let's give them a fighting chance.

Because imagine the look on his face when he walks up to Sepp Blatter next year to present him with the football signed on by so many others to endorse a campaign that will have traveled full circle around the globe to make it to the World Cup Final, where Charles will stand: at 13 years.

We can make it happen, we can help him achieve his dream.