That's an interesting idea. I can't believe anyone didn't think of it sooner. I like how they include a pamphlet on how you can avoid these diseases. I like how irreverent and funny their descriptions are too.
I can see their commercial now... "Every year thousands are killed in third world nations by malaria, sleeping sickness, and ebola... AND NOW YOU CAN HAVE IT YOURSELF! Giantmicrobes, they're cute, they're cuddly, and, since you're in a developed nation, THEY'RE HILARIOUS! Order yours today! History buff? We've got you covered, we have the black death and typhoid! Any of these can be yours for only 7.95! Remember, with Giantmicrobes you can laugh about being lucky enough to live in Western Civilization! ORDER NOW!"
I will guarantee that those do not sell at toy stores. The last thing they'd need are little kids screaming, "I want syphilis!" as their parents cringe. Toys'R'Us would go out of business.
I know I'm poking fun at them, but I think this was a genius product idea nonetheless. Any way to boost awareness of disease and disease prevention is fine by me. This is the kind of toy where a kid could actually learn something important from it too. Plus they're so cute. I want sleeping sickness now, maybe they have a stuffed Tsetse fly to go along with it.
