NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine No Malaria, a ministry of The United Methodist Church, is pleased to introduce actress Pauley Perrette to its growing community of supporters working together to reduce deaths caused by malaria.

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Perrette, 42, is well-known for playing Abby Sciuto, her character on the hit CBS TV show, NCIS. A passionate advocate for more than 30 charity causes, Perrette has generously agreed to share her talent and celebrity to help generate support for Imagine No Malaria, while raising awareness and money to fight the disease.

"Every 45 seconds, malaria kills a child in Africa," Perrette said. "Please pray about it, and join me in this global fight against a terrible — but preventable disease."

Perrette's support for Imagine No Malaria includes starring in several public service announcements, calling for action and generosity in the fight against malaria. (Watch here.)

She will also provide the narration for the ministry's upcoming TV special called "A Killer in the Dark: An Extraordinary Effort to Combat Malaria." The program, which will air on many NBC affiliates May 1 (check local listings), documents the daily struggle in Africa against malaria and highlights the work of Imagine No Malaria to wipe out a devastating disease that's killing 2,000 people every single day. The program is presented by the National Council of Churches under the auspices of the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission and produced by United Methodist Communications.

"We are blessed to have the support from an influential celebrity like Pauley Perrette," said Bishop Thomas Bickerton, chairperson of the United Methodist Global Health Initiative. "With World Malaria Day coming up on April 25, this is a great time to get involved, give and save lives together as we work toward a world with no malaria."

Visit imaginenomalaria.org to learn more.

About Imagine No Malaria

Imagine No Malaria is an extraordinary ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church to eliminate death and suffering from malaria in Africa by 2015. With a goal of raising $75 million to improve health infrastructure and empower a sustainable victory over the disease, Imagine No Malaria is our opportunity to rethink how we reach beyond our church, opening doors to those who need it most. For more information, please visit us online at www.ImagineNoMalaria.org.

SOURCE United Methodist Communications