MULTI-FAITH leaders are joining forces to host a fundraising event to support World Malaria Day.

Francis Asante-Boadu, pastor of Manchester Christian Fellowship, has organised the donation day to help a world campaign launched by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to tackle the mosquito-borne disease.

eaders from Manchester's Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities will join Mr Asante-Boadu on Sunday at Manchester's Ardwick Sportshall, on Stockport Road, and all are welcome to attend.

Mr Asante-Boadu said: "It's an important event because, in a multi-faith society, problems such as malaria should not only be for politicians to combat."

Faith leaders will speak about raising awareness about malaria before asking people to donate.

Leaders will also show and give out copies of the DVD film The Story of A Bed Net, about combatting the disease. Hannah Wallace, spokeswoman for the Faiths Act Together campaign, said Manchester was joining thousands of people in 31 countries across six continents in organising events.

She said "It's the beginning of a global movement of people motivated by faith to come together and act against malaria."

Every 30 seconds a child dies from the disease.

Money raised will buy £5 mosquito nets which can protect a family in Africa.

World Malaria Day is on April 25.