On April 3rd, a week after turning 30, I will jump off a mountain somwhere in California (attached to a paraglide).  I'm doing this to raise money for Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) which works to eliminate the seven most common Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Six of the seven diseases are caused by parasitic worms that live inside the body and cause symptoms ranging from general malaise through to kidney damage, intestinal damage, disfiguration of the limbs, blindness, and death.  500 million people, two-thirds of the total population of Africa, have two or more NTDs and need regular treatment

I'm raising money for SCI because targetting Neglected Tropical Diseases is one of the most cost effective forms of poverty relief.  The diseases that SCI works to eliminate can be treated with a combination of five drugs that need only be administered once per year.  Each package costs around half a dollar.  Giving to SCI makes a small amount of money go a long way.

For more imformation see:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/schisto

and

http://www.givingwhatwecan.org/resources/recommended-charities.php#SCI

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. (The money is going to SCI via Imperial College where SCI is based). 

So please give as much as you feel you can.  All the money raised will go to SCI (I'm paying for the paraglide).  I don't want any 30th birthday presents from you - please donate instead!