Malaria is a horrible parasite that affects people all over the world. Joan Pence, Salem science teacher, shared with her class that the disease is endemic to 106 nations, threatening half the world’s population. Approximately 3,000 children die each day from it in Africa, which is one every 30 seconds, and once a mosquito with the parasite in it bites a host, there is no way to cure it; it’s a lifelong disease that is an endless cycle of fever and chills.

The most effective way to prevent malaria is with mosquito nets, so a company decided to take that approach. Nothing But Nets collects money and buys nets, then distributes them to people in affected areas. They have collected over $65 billion and delivered 12 million bed nets to families in need.

According to their website, the insecticide treated nets cut infections down one half, and brings down children’s deaths by one third.

Each net costs $10, but so far with these donations, Nothing But Nets has made an impact in sub-Saharn Africa by increasing the number nets from only 2 percent of the population being protected to 50 percent of the population having access to this preventative method.

Pence is collecting money for Nothing But Nets, and donations can be brought to room 3116 in Salem, or donations can be made directly to Nothing But Nets on their website nothingbutnets.net.