Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, has launched a charitable project aimed at eradicating deaths from malaria throughout Africa, while increasing awareness of the disease.
The RLJ by Ella Rose Africa Tie Collection, which is sold at Macy's department stores in Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Seattle, and Douglaston, New York, was created in alliance with PVH Neck Wear, with proceeds directly benefiting the "Malaria No More" campaign that was established in December 2006.
"From my work in the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa, I understand firsthand the critical impact malaria has on people and communities," said Johnson. "Malaria is completely preventable and treatable, and no one should die from the disease," he continued. "I'm proud to be part of the effort and the progress that has been made so far in the fight against malaria. The purchase of each of the RLJ by Ella Rose Africa ties will have a direct impact on those most affected by malaria and will help save a life."
The goal of the non-profit campaign is to end deaths caused by malaria in Africa by 2015. According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2011, nearly 3.3 billion people – half of the world's population is at risk from malaria. The disease kills 665,000 people each year, mostly children under the age of five and pregnant women in Africa.