In May 1955, 150 delegates from almost every country met in Mexico City to do something that had never been attempted: globally eradicate malaria, arguably the deadliest thing in human history. Not the deadliest disease, the deadliest thing. By one estimate, malaria has killed 5% of all people who have ever lived.
They nearly did it. Malaria was beaten back across most of the planet (part of why you’re alive to read this email). But when those men set out to save the world, they didn't save the whole world. They chose, instead, to save a slightly smaller world: a world that didn't include hundreds of millions of people in Africa.
That meeting never got a book. It never got a film. It doesn't even have its own Wikipedia page.
Last month, we told you our first documentary was coming. Today, it's live, and it tells this story of the meeting, the near-misses that followed (involving, improbably, JFK, the Vietnam War, and George W. Bush), and why right now is the moment we could finally finish the job.
Please watch it. Then, if you can, give. And whether or not you give, please share it. Sharing the video costs nothing and might be the most valuable thing you do today.
More on all three below.
With gratitude,
James Rayton & the Giving What We Can team
🎬 Watch:our first long-form YouTube video
Following six months of research, expert interviews and archival deep-dives, our very own Justin Portela explains why the history of malaria is basically the history of everything.
The film ends not with despair, but with the hopeful message that malaria is a special kind of problem. We know exactly how to prevent it, we know exactly how to treat it, and by many calculations it's the most cost-effective way to save people’s lives.
We've paired the film with a fundraiser at givingwhatwecan.org/malaria. 100% of donations go to the Against Malaria Foundation and Malaria Consortium, through the GWWC Malaria Fund.
Early donations create the momentum that convinces later visitors to give, so if you've been considering a gift, giving now might inspire other donors.
In its first few days, YouTube will decide whether to show this video to thousands of people or millions. You have real influence over that outcome:
Watch to the end, like, and leave a comment (even a short one). View time, viewer retention and engagement matter enormously.
Share it where you actually talk to people: a WhatsApp group, a LinkedIn post, a family dinner. One personal sentence about why it moved you beats any marketing copy we could write :)
Know someone with an audience? A newsletter, a podcast, a big following? We'd love an introduction. Just reply to this email.
We've put together a short guide with copy-paste captions, timing tips, and what helps most on each platform:
Here are some of our favourite responses from people who took a pledge last month:
🔸After seeing significant poverty during a trip to Madagascar and realising how incredibly lucky and wealthy I am.
- Catherine Phipps 🇬🇧
🔹 To help working on global inequalities and address moral hazard on our common home called Earth.
- Raphael Arndt 🇩🇪
🔸I am motivated to take this pledge today because I believe that those of us who have the ability to help others should do so. Even a small portion of my income can make a significant difference in the lives of people facing poverty, disease, and hardship. Taking this pledge is a way to align my actions with my values and contribute to creating a better world for future generations.
- Bilal Mangi 🇵🇰
🔹 Because I believe there are other people and causes out there in the world that need this money more than I do.
- Christel van Dijk 🇳🇱
🔸 I have been lucky enough to receive a head start in life, from my supportive parents to where I live. I can use this advantage to give back and benefit others.
- Warner Wilson 🇺🇸
🔹 I want to give back and keep giving what I can for as long as I can.
- Ruan van Wyk 🇿🇦
Upcoming Events
Our team of staff and community volunteers are gearing up for a busy summer. We'll be at the following events. Come and say hi if you're attending!
Coefficient Giving is hiring across operations and project-support roles; submit an expression of interest to be considered for current and future openings supporting the CEO and senior leadership team. Their CEO, Alexander Berger, is responsible for advancing CG’s overall mission. The Office of the CEO supports Alexander by co-owning many of his priorities and setting him up to be as effective as possible. They are hiring on a rolling basis.
I am hiring into my team at Giving What We Can! If you're a passionate fundraiser with major donor, community building, or other sales-type experience and you're bought into our mission, I'd love to hear from you. We're looking for someone in London.
