Dear Editor: For many Americans, mosquitoes are pesky insects that are irritating, but pose little to no real harm. But for people living in many poor countries, mosquitoes can be weapons of potentially fatal disease.

Every year, nearly 250 million people are infected with malaria, a disease contracted by mosquito bite, resulting in almost 900,000 deaths per year. Around 90 percent of these deaths occur in Africa, where roughly one in five child deaths is caused by malaria.

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. Insecticide-treated bed nets that cost just $10 are highly successful at reducing the spread of the disease, and access to effective treatment ensures that malaria is not a death sentence for those who become infected.

This April 25 marks World Malaria Day, a worldwide day to combat malaria by raising awareness and taking action against the disease. As a member of the advocacy group ONE, I have united with millions of Americans to raise awareness about this disease -- and about the simple solutions that can save lives.

We know how to end deaths from malaria. All we need now is the will.

Bob Bowers

Madison