300 in 1000

300 in 1000 children born in Niger will die before the age of 5.

14% of these children die due to malaria.

6% of infants sleep under an insecticide treated mosquito net.

2007/2008 Statistics

I knew these statistics coming here to Niger - they are part of why I and my team have come - to bring aid, development assistance and medical help to the Nigeriens. Yet in the last 24 hours, this number has become more than a statistic.:

Yesterday, my night guard came to work to tell me that one of his children had died that morning of malaria - one of his twin boys born last fall, 10 months old.

I know this family. I know this child, I have held him in my arms. Pictured here on the left - Hassani (Hassan) Abdoulaye

And my heart is breaking. For this child who will not grow up, who has become a statistic. For his family mourning the loss. For his little twin brother who is distraught - knowing his brother is no longer there and his world is wrong, but unable to comprehend the significance.

I wish that I had known the twins were sick - perhaps I could have helped in getting them to the hospital earlier. His parents were enroute with him to the hospital when he passed away. Perhaps I could not have helped, I will never know. This picture was taken two weeks ago by Lisa in a village visit. The twins are not sick now - and they are looking healthy and strong.

Nor is not the first loss for this family - their oldest daughter also died before the age of 5. Today, my colleague Lisa and I went to visit the family, to sit with them in their mourning. We were encouraged to hear the family speak of Hassan and his death, acknowledging and processing their grief.

The father, Karim, has asked for prayer. Please pray for this family:

• that God will comfort them in their grief
• for Seini (the other twin) who is still sick with malaria. His parents report that he is doing better. His fever seemed to be down today; and while we were there, he was feeding and he was alert and responsive. Lisa and I have to take their word - hope he is as well as they think - and pray.