DIFFICULTY: Medium
"There are ten new cases of malaria every second."
"There are ten new cases of malaria every second."
It's always hard to watch people fighting diseases like cancer, that have no cure, but sometimes I think it's even harder to know that there are people dying, every day, from diseases that we can cure. Malaria, for example, is both preventable and treatable. 40% of the world's population lives in malaria endemic countries. Nearly 40% of the public health resources of these countries is used to treat it. While countries in many parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas (as you can see from the map above) have brought malaria under control, in Africa, malaria infections have increased over the last three decades.
Where did I get all of these facts? Right here, at the Nothing But Nets organization's site. There is a lot more information on prevention and effects of the disease on that site. The most important fact, however, is probably this one: The mosquitoes that transmit malaria are nocturnal feeders and only bite at night.
That means that the effects of malaria can be prevented by simply owning a mosquito net! By donating $10, you provide a net for someone in Africa and prevent them from contracting the disease. Pretty awesome right? Their site also has a game you can play, and of course, because I love videos, below is a video with some more interesting information (it's very short!):
Where did I get all of these facts? Right here, at the Nothing But Nets organization's site. There is a lot more information on prevention and effects of the disease on that site. The most important fact, however, is probably this one: The mosquitoes that transmit malaria are nocturnal feeders and only bite at night.
That means that the effects of malaria can be prevented by simply owning a mosquito net! By donating $10, you provide a net for someone in Africa and prevent them from contracting the disease. Pretty awesome right? Their site also has a game you can play, and of course, because I love videos, below is a video with some more interesting information (it's very short!):
If anyone is looking for some more kind acts to do, I recently stumbled upon a blog called Digital Philanthropy, that has a bunch of great ideas! :)