U is for Unprepared

The end of the alphabet completely snuck up on me. So I am completely unprepared for the letter U.

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But since today is World Malaria Day, here's a little something to consider.

• Half of the world's population—3.3 billion people—are at risk of contracting malaria. (source)
• Between 300 and 500 million people contract malaria each year, and one million of those die. (source)
• 650,000 children under age 5 die of malaria each year; that's 65% of total malaria deaths and the third leading cause of under-five mortality. (source) 
• Malaria contributes to the continuing cycle of poverty in developing nations. (source)

Ready for some good news?

• Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. (As an interesting tidbit: only female mosquitoes bite; males eat pollen and are an important part of the ecosystem.)  
• Anopheles mosquitoes are active at night, biting while people sleep. (source)
• Bed nets can cut incidences of malaria by at least 25%. (source)
• You can donate a bed net and save a life for as little as $5 through Malaria No More or Nothing But Nets. 

Think of it as paying it forward. You don't suffer from malaria; help others to achieve the same goal. 

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