June 20, 2026

Mary Shelley warned us in a novel published in 1826 that, as human populations become more mobile and more densely packed, pestilence will become a greater threat to humankind. She tells us we must not let our guard down, even in times that seem like the pestilence is being held at bay.

Yet, two hundred years later, we are still ignoring her warnings and suffering the consequences for our shortsightedness. I encourage you to read this question and answer piece put out by Harvard and do what you can to educate those around you of the importance of humanitarian aid.