Being a native of Senegal, Africa, DeSagana Diop loves to give back to his home every time he gets the chance. On Wednesday, February 7, DeSagana participated in a Nothing But Nets workshop at Travis Middle School to help educate students on malaria and how they can help save lives in Africa.

Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign that distributes and educates people in Africa about the proper use of an insecticide-treated bed net, which helps prevent malaria transmission by 90%. For a donation of only $10, nets can be purchased and sent to Africa.

“Because of my heritage, this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Diop. “I believe we can really make a difference in the fight against malaria, and I am excited to do my part to help.”

Before playing in a competitive game of knockout with the kids, DeSagana spoke to the students about why Nothing But Nets is important to him. “Malaria is the number one killer of children in Africa, and I remember worrying about getting bit by mosquitoes at night when I was younger. I have friends and family that have died because they were infected with malaria.”

Malaria is a disease that infects nearly 500 million people each year and kills more than one million of those who become infected. The bed nets stop the mosquitoes from biting during the night and spreading the disease AND the insecticide on the net kills the mosquitoes when they land on it.

Diop will donate $100 to Nothing But Nets for every shot he blocks during the 2008 season. ExxonMobil will match Diop’s donation for a total of $200 or 20 nets per shot blocked by Diop. To make a donation and help DeSagana and ExxonMobil in their cause, please visit nothingbutnets.net/mavericks.

Diop spoke to the kids about why he got involved with the Nothing But Nets campaign.

Diop shows the kids at Travis Middle School what the bed net looks like.

Diop with ExxonMobil's Foundation President Gerald McElvy and Elizabeth McKee from the United Nations Foundation..