I’m donating our space here at MomsGetReal today to Caitlin Garlow from the End7 organization. Caitlin’s message is truly important, and I hope you’ll take a moment to read it, share it, and take action!
Getting Real With Caitlin Garlow and End7
Moms and dads around the world all want the same thing – healthy kids. But unfortunately that goal proves to be a major challenge for parents around the world whose kids have neglected tropical diseases – or NTDs.
Most people have never heard of the seven most common NTDs – ascariasis (roundworm), hookworm, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, trachoma and trichuriasis (whipworm) – but they are the stuff of nightmares.
These bacterial and parasitic diseases can be transmitted through worms in the soil or insect bites. Kids get them by doing things kids normally do- playing barefoot in the yard or swimming in nearby lakes and streams. These diseases have devastating effects. Imagine how you would feel if your son’s belly was so filled with worms that he could no longer eat. What if your daughter’s eyelids slowly turned inwards until they scratched her eyes and she became blind?
Sadly, this is the reality for one in six people in the world, including half a billion kids.
But the good news is that the solution is very simple. All seven diseases can be treated and prevented by providing a simple package of medications to those who live in affected areas. Because pharmaceutical companies donate most of the medicine, the costs are limited to delivering the treatments and setting up education programs that communities can run themselves.
As a result, it only costs 50 cents per person per year to treat and protect someone from NTDs.
That’s why we started an important campaign this year called END7 to raise awareness about these seven diseases and explain to people what they can do to help. We’re using social media to spread the word, so if you want to help us rid the world of these seven diseases, here’s what you can do:
- Join our Facebook and Twitter communities
- Watch our videos to learn more about NTDs
- Spread the word to your friends and family
- Donate a small amount to help kids with NTDs – a little goes a long way!
Support from parents like you is all that we need to help end these seven diseases and give kids everywhere the chance to live up to their fullest potential. Together, we can see the end of these seven diseases!
