As a professor, my passion for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) runs deep. In the classroom, we talk about each parasite, virus, and bacteria from a clinical perspective. We link patient presentations and symptoms to diagnostic tests and treatment for each of these diseases. And then we talk about their impact -- which is much so much more than just pain, suffering, or hospitalization.

These diseases, often overlooked, impact the lives of 1.495 billion people, including nearly 1 billion children. NTDs are one of the world's most persistent health challenges and can lead to irreversible blindness, immobility, stunted growth, and death.

The End Fund's mission is incredibly important: delivery of drugs to hard-to-reach places on the globe, performing life-changing surgeries that prevent blindness and disability, training healthcare workers, and providing education on prevention.

Eradication of these NTDs is completely possible -- we have the means, knowledge, and ability to change people's lives and eliminate their suffering. Reading through The End Fund literature brought to mind one my favorite Bible verses (Matt 9:37-38): "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

There is a great need, and more workers makes light work :)

Let's be the workers who can help make the dream of eradicating NTDs a reality. All the tools exist... and giving money is such a simple thing we can do to change people's lives!