By: Tara Hayward, Resource Development Officer, Sabin Vaccine Institute

The economy has started to thaw and donors of the world are beginning to relax. Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Warren Buffett, have a launched an epic challenge for the world’s billionaires – Give away half of what you have.  While The Giving Pledge is specifically focused on billionaires, it feeds on inspiration from philanthropic efforts that encourage everyone – of all financial means and backgrounds. We all can help make the world a better place, right?

In the context of all the millions and billions of dollars floating around, as donors, we naturally start to wonder if we can do anything, if we can make any impact with a $20 donation to our favorite cause. The answer? Yes!

The beauty of working to treat and eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is that it can be done. There are inexpensive, safe and effective treatments available for the seven most common NTDs. The impact of a $20 gift to the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases is measurable and meaningful. For a $20 investment in the Global Network, 40 people can be treated for one year – at an average of 50¢ each – with a ‘rapid impact package,’ a combination of four drugs that effectively treat the seven most common NTDs.

Infectious and neglected tropical diseases are diseases of poverty.  They disable, disfigure, and stigmatize, helping to lock nearly 1.4 billion people into a cycle of poverty, disease, and untapped potential.

The World Health Organization notes in a 2003 report to the United States Congress that treatment of schoolchildren with deworming drugs can reduce absenteeism in primary school by 25% and can lead to higher wages later in life.

With $20, you can impact the lives of 40 people. That’s 40 people that will stay in school and earn wages to support their families. That’s 40 people who won’t be impaired by adverse outcomes of NTDs, like anemia, malnutrition, physical and cognitive impairment, and infant mortality. That’s 40 people that won’t suffer from worms.

Manuel Claros, winner of the Global Network’s individual Campus Challenge, recently wrote on End the Neglect about the impact that treatment for parasites had on his life. Because he was regularly given treatment for parasites during childhood in Colombia, his worms went away, his health improved, and eventually, Manuel became a doctor. His experience was an impetus to join in the fight against NTDs and HIV/AIDS, and most recently, to work to complete an MPH in Global Health Policy.  Imagine this change to the lives of 40 children with potential to thrive like Manuel.

It’s natural to wonder what a single person can really do to ease global poverty and disease. Unfortunately, we can’t all give away millions. It’s good to be critical of your investments and serious about the kind of impact you can make. It also feels good to make a positive impact with as little as 50¢.

Tara Hayward is a Resource Development Officer at the Sabin Vaccine Institute. She has a M.A. in International Development and served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania. She is enthusiastic about organic gardening and loves to travel.