Monday, April 25, 2011

U is for Unprepared

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

source
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. 

    8 comments:

    1. You are in luck Alison, a plant featured under my 'T' provides a cure for Malaria, among other things.

      (Btw not a bad post at all considering you are unprepared).

      Grandpa
      Life on The Farm

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    2. For someone who is unprepared you certainly gave us some good information. I can't imagine struggling with malaria. Bronchitis is knocking me for a loop.

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    3. Will you be turning this useful research into a children's picture book? he-he :)

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    4. Although we live in Thailand, in Bangkok we're not at a huge risk of Malaria (Dengue fever, yes...) but when we travel to the borders and our neighbouring countries, then the risk goes up. It's a terrifying threat. Donating a net is a brilliant idea. Great post, thank you.

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    5. Thanks for the link to donate. I'd heard something about it, but wasn't sure who to go through.

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    6. Very informative. Who knew the blogging challenge would be so educational?

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    7. Interesting post! Thanks for the information, and the links.

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    8. I just recently read that malaria is caused by a parasite and now you say it again. I, too, am happy that I'm learning new things on this challenge.
      Manzanita
      Wanna buy a duck

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