Goodbye Burundi -- It's been a blast!

April 11, 2010
I returned to Canada yesterday after an exciting nine days in Burundi. It was an experience I'll never forget! Sylvie and I departed on Friday after spending the morning at the Burundi Red Cross office. We said our farewells to the staff with promises to keep in touch.

As I said goodbye to a Burundi staff member named Joseph he said something that I found very meaningful. "We work for a unique organization," he commented. "Even though we have just met, I can't help but feel that we are all brothers and sisters no matter what country we come from, because we are coming from the Red Cross."

Although I am back in Canada, I'm am happy to know that the fight against malaria in Burundi will carry on. Tomorrow, the hang-up campaign begins to ensure nets are properly used. Also, the Burundi Red Cross will continue to do it's great work to further train volunteers about malaria and work with communities to help prevent it. Many of the tools created for this campaign will be put to good use beyond this campaign such as the CD with songs that teach valuable malaria tips.

Best of luck Burundi!

The final few nets

April 8, 2010
Today was the final net distribution day in Burundi. With the exception of a few sites that will remain open tomorrow to ensure all nets are received, this portion of the campaign is over.

On the final day we visited a few more distribution sites. Many had begun to slow down, indicating that the families in that area have all received their nets. As we drove around, I couldn't help but notice the many people walking along the street with nets. We saw nets in baskets, arms and balanced on heads. We also saw nets hanging on clothes lines in the shade to air out before being placed over sleeping spaces, an indication of the strong communication activities of Burundi Red Cross volunteers.

After a long four days of work, the Red Cross team that worked on the campaign met for a final meeting and celebratory dinner. This dinner included mostly Burundi Red Cross staff members, but also employees from the Canadian Red Cross, Belgium Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other health partners in Burundi.

Dr. Jessie Nzenza Kanhutu, the heath and care coordinator for the IFRC's Easter Africa Zone, commented on the dedication of the Burundi Red Cross and the team work shown throughout the distribution.

"This campaign brought together the humanitarian community," she said. "Imagine, all this work and effort to kill a female Anopheles mosquito so that it will not have a chance to hurt male and female humans."

Who knew that killing a mosquito would be cause for celebration, but in a malaria endemic country like Burundi, it certainly is. Cheers to that!

Celebrating the fight against malaria

April 5, 2010

Today, Burundi marked the launch of its malaria campaign with singing, dancing and the magnificant beats from their drums. A commencement event was organized by the Burundi Red Cross to celebrate this important campaign.

The event was held in the province of Bubanza in an area called Mpanda. When we arrived there were a sea of Red Cross volunteers and about a hundred people.

A distribution table was set up in one area of the event grounds and an example net was set up. The event began when the Vice President of Burundi, Gabriel Ntisezerana, arrived. He gave a brief demonstration on how to properly hang a net and provided nets to a few young mothers. He then made his way to the other area for speeches.

Traditional drummers welcomed him and the crowd. Their magnicant beats, combined with their smiles, helped maintain the overall positive tone of the event.

My Canadian Red Cross colleague told me that Burundi drummers are among the best in all of Africa. After hearing them today, I have no doubt that it is true. They entertained the crowd and provided rhythm for traditional dancers.

A group of actors performed two skits toward the end of the event. The first was the story of a young mother who learned the importance of her net. The second was a demonstration of how the distribution process works -- that people will exchange their vouchers for nets. It was an entertaining way to provide important malaria information.

I saw many young mothers at the event, happily waiting to receive their nets. "Generally, I think nets are really important, but not everyone is fortunate enough to own one," said Alice Ndacayisaba, a mother who attended the event with her 2-month-old baby. "I think this is very good."

Over 521,000 nets will be distributed in three provinces at more than 130 distribution points. According to the Secretary General of the Burundi Red Cross, because one net can protect up to two people, the campaign will reach around one million people.

Ever wondered what social moblization is?

April 3, 2010
Today I received a CD from Carmen, the Canadian Red Cross project manager for the net distribution. She indicated it had been made for the campaign. Curious, I popped it into the computer to listen.

The songs are in Kirundi, the local language and were great! I asked Carmen for more details and learned that the six-song disc is part of their social mobilization strategy.

Social mobilization is an integral part of the Canadian Red Cross malaria program. Through both local and larger-scale activities, communities are encouraged to participate in the net campaign. It is important that people know details about the campaign and also its importance.

For this campaign, the Burundi, Belgium and Canadian Red Cross' planned both grassroots and mobilization and promotion on a grander scale. Some activities are already complete, while more will take place after the distribution. With support from international partners, this strategy has already reached thousands of people.

Red Cross volunteers play an important role in this strategy. Early in the project, the conducted a door-to-door census to determine the number of nets needed. This allowed them to not only count people, but spread the word about the campaign. Later, they made a second visit to distribute the vouchers that will be exchanged for nets, providing another opportunity to communicate.

For wider promotion, the CD was produced. Local muscians recorded songs about malaria prevention to bring attention to the campaign and provide valuable information. All radio stations in the area have the disc and are encouraged to play the songs.

Other activities included creating t-shirts, hats, posters and banners to increase campaign visibility. A radio public service announcement was also created, and the communications officer for the Belgium Red Cross noted that she'd heard it being played this morning on her drive the office.

The campaign kicks off tomorrow with an event where media is expected to attend, which will help reach even more people. When the distribution has ended, the final step is the hang-up campaign, where volunteers go door-to-door to ensure proper net usage.

Day 1 – Burundi Red Cross volunteers

April 2, 2010

Today was my first full day in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. My colleague Sylvie and I arrived late last night so it wasn’t until this morning that I got my first glimpse of Burundi.

Bujumbura is a lively city, lush and green with traffic moving in orderly chaos. Our first stop was the Burundi Red Cross office. It is a simple, white building with Burundi Red Cross Land Cruisers parked in its lot. The staff and volunteers greeted us with smiles and handshakes giving an overall welcoming feeling.

Later in the morning I left Sylvie behind to iron out logistical and planning details with our project manager Carmen, while I joined three Burundi Red Cross workers, along with two communications officers from the Belgium Red Cross for a field visit. Wearing my Canadian Red Cross shirt with my camera charged and ready, we made our way to two villages where Burundi Red Cross volunteers were going door-to door to deliver vouchers to households. These vouchers will be exchanged during our net campaign, which runs April 5-8.

I’ve always known the value of local Red Cross volunteers, but it was inspiring to see this first-hand. They speak the local languages and their relationship with beneficiaries was clearly comfortable and friendly. They explained the importance of using a net and information regarding the upcoming distribution.

The second village visit was cut short due to heavy rainfall, but the drive there was breathtaking. The village was located in an area called Mubimbi, and was nestled in the mountains. We arrived just in time for the downpour and immediately noticed a volunteer huddled beneath an overhanging roof, waiting for the rain to subside. A second volunteer, bundled up in a rain coat with a Red Cross umbrella, continued to make his way through the town, despite the rain and mud.

Day one is nearing its end and I am pleased to have witnessed smiling people receiving their vouchers – assurance that soon they will receive life-saving nets and sleep protected from malaria.

The Big Day

March 29, 2010
Tomorrow is the big day – my colleague Sylvie Zangger, program officer for the Canadian Red Cross malaria program, and I will board our plane and head to Africa – more specifically, to Burundi. The Canadian Red Cross will be distributing over 521,000 life-saving mosquito nets there. This will be my first time participating.

I’ve been working as part of the communications team for Malaria Bites since it launched in 2007, although the Canadian Red Cross malaria program itself has been doing great work since 2003. I’m thrilled that I’ll be able to see first-hand how our work is making a difference in communities in Africa. The Canadian Red Cross malaria program has distributed over 6 million nets in Africa so far, and trained over 25,000 African Red Cross volunteers, thanks to the generosity of Canadians.

For this campaign, a big thank you must also go out to the Belgium Red Cross, whose funding has allowed this distribution to be as large and far-reaching as it is.

I can’t wait to get there and share my experiences with all you!

Back in Lomé

December 16, 2008
After three weeks in Nigeria’s Cross River State, I am back in Lomé, Togo. I meet again with my colleagues who, over the last few weeks, like their counterparts in Nigeria, worked hard to launch the anti-malaria campaign. Charlie Musoka, project manager for the Canadian Red Cross malaria program in Togo, told me upon my return that as of Dec 15 the mosquito net distribution coverage rate was around 97.5%. The next step, presently on its way, aims among other things. to make sure that parents have properly set the nets up so that their children are protected.

Tomorrow I will be on the road with notebook, camera and video camera to act as your eyes and ears. In the coming weeks, a report on my field trip will be on the Canadian Red Cross website.

The net distributions carried out in two countries required an enormous amount of collaboration and coordination. “It was an asset to work with several partners and we worked hard to ensure we had common and coherent messages to the public,” noted Doug Henderson, project manager for the Canadian Red Cross malaria program in Nigeria. “Regular meetings and listening to each other’s ideas and needs have allowed us to do this.”

In less than a week I shall be back in Canada. But before leaving, I have a last duty to perform -- to inform Canadians about the last leg of this campaign. I love my job. It allows me to meet with real people in their own environment, to listen to them and to see with my own eyes the positive results of the donations contributed by Canadians. Few people are fortunate enough to get up in the morning and say “Great ! Another day!”

De retour à Lomé

Le 16 décembre 2008
Après trois semaines dans l’état de Cross River au Nigeria, je suis de retour à Lomé au Togo. Je retrouve mes collègues qui, durant les dernières semaines, tout comme ceux en poste au Nigeria, ont travaillé d’arrache-pied au lancement de la campagne de lutte contre le paludisme. Charlie Musoka, gestionnaire de projet, Programme de distribution de moustiquaires de la Croix-Rouge canadienne au Togo, me confiait à mon arrivée, qu’en date du 15 décembre, le taux de couverture de distribution des moustiquaires était de l’ordre de 97,5 %. La prochaine étape qui est en cours vise notamment à s’assurer que les familles ont bien installé leurs moustiquaires afin que les enfants soient protégés.

Demain, je partirai avec mon carnet, mon appareil photo et ma vidéo caméra pour être vos yeux et vos oreilles. Vous retrouverez sur le site de la Croix-Rouge canadienne, dans les prochaines semaines, le compte rendu de ce voyage terrain.

La campagne de distribution des moustiquaires qui s’est tenue dans les deux pays représente un énorme travail de collaboration, de coordination et de planification. Comme l’a mentionné Doug Henderson, gestionnaire de projet au Nigeria, « malgré les avantages de travailler avec différents partenaires, le plus grand défi consistait à maintenir la cohérence des messages transmis au public. » « Les multiples rencontres et l’écoute de tous et chacun ont permis de relever ce défi », a-t-il ajouté.

Dans moins d’une semaine, je serai de retour au Canada, mais avant de partir il me reste un dernier travail à faire, informer les Canadiens de la dernière étape de cette campagne.

J’adore mon travail. Il me permet de rencontrer des gens dans leur milieu, de les écouter et de constater les résultats positifs de la générosité des Canadiennes et Canadiens. Peu de gens ont le privilège de se lever le matin et de se dire : « Génial une autre journée! »

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The campaign starts amid great enthusiasm

December 10, 2008

Hundreds of children with their mothers wait patiently to receive their free mosquito nets. It has been a long wait since they got their vaccinations earlier in the morning. On this first day of net distributions our Red Cross team is visiting several community health centers in Ikom, Nde and Emangebe to see for ourselves the exemplary work of the local Red Cross and Health Ministry volunteers during this campaign against malaria.

On this occasion, distinguished visitors from the Canadian Red Cross are with us. They are Ted Tanaka, vice-chairman of the Board of directors, and Chris Rosene, director of development programs for the Canadian Red Cross.

The enthusiasm of the mothers and their toddlers is tangible. Though the health centers opened only at 8 am, many were on site by 6. On a backdrop of crying children, all went very well. Registration, vaccinations, vitamin A and mosquito net distributions, the latter being the obvious the highlight of the day. Those children who had not appreciated receiving a shot were suddenly smiling upon being given the small blue bag.

There were children everywhere. On our way, we mistakenly ended up in a primary school. We were immediately swamped with schoolchildren, and to his great surprise and the immense pleasure of the children, Ted Tanaka was surrounded with little ones. Their teacher confided that this impromptu visit will be a long-lasting memory for them.

Une première journée de campagne sous le signe de l’enthousiasme

Le 10 décembre 2008
Des centaines d’enfants accompagnés de leur maman attendent patiemment de recevoir gratuitement leur moustiquaire. L’attente est sans aucun doute longue depuis les vaccins reçus plus tôt dans la matinée. Lors de la première journée de la campagne de distribution de moustiquaires, l’équipe de la Croix-Rouge canadienne s’est rendue dans plusieurs centres de santé communautaire de Ikom, Nde, et Emangebe, afin de constater de visu le travail exemplaire des bénévoles de la Croix-Rouge locale et du ministère de la Santé, dans le cadre de la campagne de prévention contre la malaria.

À cette occasion, deux invités de marque de la Croix-Rouge canadienne nous accompagnaient : Ted Tanaka, vice-président, Conseil des gouverneurs, et Chris Rosene, directeur, Programmes de développement.

L’enthousiasme des mamans et des tout-petits était palpable. Les centres n’ouvraient qu’à 8 h, mais plusieurs personnes étaient sur place dès 6 h. Avec pour musique de fond des pleurs d’enfants, tout s’est bien déroulé, que ce soit au niveau de l’enregistrement, des vaccinations, de la distribution de suppléments de vitamine A, ou de la remise des moustiquaires qui fut sans aucun doute la pièce maîtresse de la journée. Les enfants qui n’avaient vraiment pas apprécié la piqûre du vaccin retrouvaient soudainement leur sourire lorsqu’ils recevaient le petit sac bleu.

Il y avait des enfants partout. Sur notre route, nous nous sommes arrêtés par erreur dans une école primaire. À notre arrivée, nous avons été littéralement envahis par une meute d’enfants qui ont encerclé Ted Tanaka à sa grande surprise, mais surtout au plaisir des jeunes écoliers. Le professeur nous confiait que cette visite impromptue resterait longtemps dans la mémoire des enfants.
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Une visite au Ranch Obudu : à couper le souffle!

Je reviens à Calabar après un voyage énergisant de quatre jours à Obudu, une des 18 régions administratives de l’état de Cross-River, au Nigéria.

J’ai assisté à la formation de bénévoles, et je les ai suivis alors qu’ils faisaient du porte-à-porte dans leur collectivité, afin d’informer les familles de la tenue prochaine de la campagne.

Puis, j’ai également passé un après-midi mémorable au Ranch Obudu. Ce fut sans aucun doute le moment le plus spectaculaire de toute ma mission. Mes collègues à Calabar m’avaient dit que c’était à voir absolument et je dois dire que je n’ai pas été déçue!

Cet endroit était à l’origine la résidence d’éleveurs écossais qui avaient construit le Ranch dans les années 1950 et y avaient vécu jusque dans les années 1970. Plusieurs années après leur départ, le Ranch a été rénové et est devenu un lieu de vacances luxueux perché sur une montagne à 1 576 m d’altitude.

Les distances au Nigéria sont immenses. Le pays est presque aussi grand que la Colombie-Britannique – avec 140 millions d’habitants, il est le pays le plus peuplé d’Afrique. En tant que Canadienne, je devrais être habituée aux longs parcours, mais non. Lorsque Bassey et Regina, mes collègues de la Croix-Rouge du Nigéria, et moi avons quitté la ville d’Obudu pour nous rendre au Ranch, je croyais vraiment que ce serait très court, mais après 45 minutes de route dans la montagne, je ne voyais toujours pas le Ranch. Finalement, 60 kilomètres plus loin, nous sommes arrivés à l’imposante barrière du Ranch.

Le pamphlet disait : « Ce lieu jouit d’un climat tempéré frais; il y règne une tranquillité idyllique, un paysage magnifique et des vues à couper le souffle ». Je n’aurais pu dire mieux.

Alors que Bassey parcourait les 11 kilomètres qui séparaient la barrière de l’hôtel, je ne pouvais m’arrêter d’admirer le paysage unique empreint de beauté et de paix. Le climat tempéré était une vraie bénédiction après des journées passées dans la chaleur tropicale.

Pendant que j’admirais le paysage, Bassey n’en avait que pour le funiculaire. Non seulement a-t-il insisté pour que nous soyons pris en photo devant le funiculaire, mais il voulait que le funiculaire apparaisse sur chaque photo que l’on prenait de lui!

A visit to Obudu Cattle Ranch - A breathtaking experience

I have just returned to Calabar after a four-day energizing journey in Obudu, one of 18 Local Government Areas of Cross-River State.

I attended volunteer trainings and joined them while they were going from door-to-door in their communities to inform families about the upcoming campaign.

I also spent an afternoon at Obudu Cattle Ranch. It had to be the most spectacular part of my journey. I had heard from colleagues in Calabar that it was a must-see and I have to say I was not disappointed.

The place was originally the living quarters of enterprising and expatriate Scottish ranchers who built the Obudu Cattle Ranch in the ‘50s and lived there until the early ‘70s. Several years after their departure, it was renovated and it is now a luxury resort perched on a mountain at an elevation of 1,576 metres above sea level.

Distances in Nigeria are huge. The country is almost the same size as British Columbia - though with 140 million people, it is the most populated country in Africa. As a Canadian, I should be used to long distances, but I assumed otherwise. When Bassey and Regina, my colleagues from the Nigerian Red Cross, and I, left Obudu town for Obudu Cattle Ranch, I honestly thought it would be a short trip, but after 45 minutes and lots of mountains surrounding us, I still could not see the ranch. Finally, after 60km and one hour’s drive, we arrived at the impressive gate.

The information sheet stated, “The resort enjoys a cool temperate climate; it is an area of idyllic tranquility, beautiful scenery and breathtaking views”. I could have not said it in a better way.

As Bassey drove up to the ranch over a distance of 11 kilometers, I could not stop looking at the unique scenery with its concealed beauty and peace. Its cool temperate climate was a real blessing after the tropical heat of the past days.

While I was looking at the scenery, Bassey thought the most appealing feature was the cable car. Not only did he insist on having a picture taken in front of it, he wanted to see the cable car in the background of all the pictures taken of him.

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Those volunteers we cross on our path

Calabar, November 27, 2008

Before heading to the field next week for the pre-campaign, I spent my first week in Nigeria in Calabar meeting the Nigerian Red Cross and all the partners working towards the success of the ‘Child Survival Campaign’. Unlike Togo where the Canadian Red Cross is doing a second round of net distributions to children under 5 years old, Nigeria is in its first round and massive collaboration is required.

Today, I would like to introduce you to a volunteer I have met several times.

His name is Ibeabuch Chukwuma Anthony, but everyone calls him Chuma. He lives in Calabar, Nigeria, he is a volunteer, and he has a passion… the Red Cross.

It all started in 1994, fourteen years after he was born. Just liked millions of people around the world, Chuma was shocked by the unfolding of the Rwandese tragedy. Although he was still very young and did not realize it at the time, he feels that day changed his life. He started paying attention to the small world around him, but also being concerned with what was happening elsewhere in the wide world. He studied international relations at school and his interest for the international humanitarian sector kept on growing.

In 2007, Chuma joined the local branch of the Red Cross in Calabar, Nigeria. Since day one, he never stopped being involved in several activities. He has put his name down to take first aid, disaster management and other trainings offered by the Red Cross movement. This weekend, he is heading out to the Annual International Mountain Race held every year in northern Cross River State. He and other Red Cross volunteers will provide first aid to injured participants. As we were talking, he showed me all the pictures and certificates he has proudly accumulated in just over a year with the Red Cross.

Chuma not only spends his time with the Red Cross, but also writes poetry. He confides that when he is moved by misery and when he sees children suffering, poetry helps him. He has a book filled with poems.

As we were ending our conversation he shared a secret with me. On December 8th, on the occasion of the inaugural day of the child survival campaign, he will dedicate a poem to the Canadian Red Cross. This is a secret!

Les volontaires dont nous croisons le chemin
Calabar, le 27 novembre 2008
Avant de partir sur le terrain pour couvrir la pré-campagne, j’ai passé ma première semaine à Calabar, à rencontrer la Croix-Rouge du Nigéria ainsi que tous les partenaires qui travaillent au succès de la campagne de survie des enfants. Contrairement au Togo où la Croix-Rouge canadienne en est à sa deuxième distribution de moustiquaires destinées aux enfants de moins de 5 ans, au Nigéria il s’agit de la première fois et ça implique une collaboration massive.

Aujourd’hui, je voudrais vous présenter un bénévole que j’ai rencontré à plusieurs reprises cette semaine.

Il s’appelle Ibeachuch Chukwuma Anthony, mais c’est Chuma pour les intimes. Il habite à Calabar au Nigéria, il est un bénévole, et il a une passion … la Croix-Rouge.

Tout a débuté en 1994, 14 ans après sa naissance. Malgré son jeune âge, tout comme des millions de personnes de par le monde, il a été bouleversé par la tragédie rwandaise. Aujourd’hui avec le recul, il est convaincu que cette période contribua à changer sa vie. À partir de ce moment, il s’intéressa davantage au monde qui l’entourait mais également au monde dans un sens plus large. Il entreprit des études en relations internationales et son intérêt pour le secteur humanitaire alla en s’accroissant.

En 2007, Chuma se joint à la branche locale de la Croix-Rouge du Nigéria. Depuis la première journée, son implication et son dévouement n’ont jamais diminué. En un peu plus d’une année, il a accumulé des formations en premier secours, en gestion des catastrophes, et plusieurs autres offertes par le Mouvement de la Croix-Rouge. Ce week-end, il est en route pour la Compétition internationale annuelle de course en montagne qui se tient chaque année au nord de l’état de Cross River. En compagnie d’autres volontaires de la Croix-Rouge, il sera sur place pour administrer les premiers soins aux participants en cas de blessures. Alors que nous parlons, il me montre fièrement les photos et certificats accumulés depuis qu’il s’est joint à la Croix-Rouge.
Chuma n’a pas qu’une passion. Lorsqu’il n’est pas à la Croix-Rouge, il consacre son temps à écrire des poèmes. La poésie l’aide à soulager sa peine face à la misère et à la souffrance infligée aux enfants. Des poèmes, il en a écrit par dizaines mais celui qui lui tient le plus à cœur, il le réserve pour la journée du lancement officiel de la campagne pour la survie des enfants. Il m’a confié un secret. Lors de cette journée, il dédiera un poème à la Croix-Rouge canadienne pour son implication. D’ici là, c’est un secret !

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Postcard from somewhere between Lomé (Togo) and Calabar (Nigeria)

Sunday, November 23, 2008
After almost 12 hours on planes and in airports, I am about to land in Calabar, in southeastern Nigeria. It sounds and feels like a long time, especially in view of the fact that I never left the African continent. My journey started in Lomé at six in the morning, heading first to Accra (Ghana), then from Accra to Lagos (Nigeria), and finally from Lagos to Calabar.

In fact, I spent most of that time waiting rather than actually moving. However, when traveling alone, I try to make the best use of my time by either reading a great book, maybe finishing that overdue story for the Canadian Red Cross or, why not, meeting interesting people.

While in line for immigration procedures, I had a chat with an American citizen who’s doing business in the oil industry. We had an interesting exchange about the ups and downs of the world economy. There was also a woman from Guinea, Carla, a pharmacist who wants to change the world. We discussed the Red Cross malaria integrated campaign in Togo and Nigeria, and more specifically the health effects of malaria on children and the dream to see a vaccine in the future. The downside of meeting people in airports is probably the lack of time to know them better, but then you can’t have it all.

Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, will be my Nigerian home for the next three weeks. My first impression of Calabar ? Very good ! For one, my new Red Cross friends, Canadians Doug and Carmen and Nigerians Bassey and Chuma were waiting for me at the airport. Of the many towns and cities I visited on the African continent, Calabar must be one of the cleanest. Prior to arriving in the country, I had read a blog from a local university student who was saying how very proud she was of the environment she lived in. In fact, everywhere in the city I can see signs ‘Keep Calabar beautiful’. I‘ll do my best.

Carte postale de quelque part entre Lomé (Togo) et Calabar (Nigéria)
Dimanche 23 novembre 2008
Après presque 12 heures passées dans des avions et des aéroports, je suis sur le point d’atterrir au Calabar, au sud-est du Nigéria. Ce voyage semble long, surtout lorsqu’on sait que je n’ai même pas quitté le continent africain. Mon voyage a débuté à Lomé à six heures du matin : je suis allée premièrement à Accra (Ghana), ensuite d’Accra à Lagos (Nigéria) et finalement de Lagos à Calabar.

En fait, j’ai passé plus de temps à attendre qu’à voyager. Cependant, lorsque je voyage seule, j’essaie de faire bon usage de mon temps en lisant un bon livre, en finissant un article en retard pour la Croix-Rouge canadienne ou, pourquoi pas, en rencontrant des gens intéressants.

Pendant que j’attendais pour régler les formalités d’immigration, j’ai bavardé avec un citoyen américain qui travaille dans l’industrie pétrolière. Nous avons eu un échange intéressant au sujet des hauts et des bas de la conjoncture économique mondiale. Il y avait aussi une Guinéenne, Carla, une pharmacienne qui veut changer le monde. Nous avons discuté de la campagne intégrée de lutte contre la malaria que mène la Croix-Rouge canadienne au Togo et au Nigéria, et plus particulièrement des effets de la malaria sur la santé chez les enfants et du rêve de voir la découverte d’un vaccin. L’inconvénient des rencontres faites dans les aéroports est probablement le manque de temps afin de mieux connaître les gens, mais on ne peut pas tout avoir.

Je m’installe à Calabar, la capitale de l’État de Cross River, pour les trois prochaines semaines. Ma première impression de Calabar? Très bonne! Premièrement, mes nouveaux amis de la Croix-Rouge, les Canadiens Doug et Carmen et les Nigérians Bassey et Chuma, m’attendaient à l’aéroport. Des nombreuses villes que j’ai visitées sur le continent africain, Calabar est sans doute l’une des plus propres. Avant d’arriver au pays, j’avais lu un blogue d’une étudiante universitaire de la région qui disait comment elle était fière de l’environnement dans lequel elle vivait. En effet, dans toute la ville, je vois des enseignes sur lesquelles est écrit « Gardez Calabar belle! ». Je ferai de mon mieux.

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