“Mali For Malaria” – day 1
My flight into Bamako airport in Mali was filled with some really bad Franglais (what I call my French language skills), light turbulence that still left me green in the face and it seems as if from the moment that the plane hit the tarmac, I was in love with Mali.
While I muddled through my French, I somehow managed to secure an entry Visa, exchange my pounds into the local CFA currency and then I navigated my way through the manic rush hour-like atmosphere at baggage check. There were a lot of bodies, a lot of suitcases and very little space to move around. I enjoyed every second of it.
After I made my way to the parking lot, I was picked up by Nicholas who’s been living in Mali since July and by the lovely Nathalia, both Red Cross delegates and both trilingual; French, Spanish and English. How amazing is that? Did I mention that I’m still trying to master English?
As we pulled out of the airport, I took a deep breathe of Malian air and ditched my winter coat. Although it was nearing midnight, the drive into Bamako, the country’s capital, was eventful. There were scooters zipping up and down the busy highway, people walking on the side of the road and the horizon of the city was filled with lights.
The Canadian Red Cross has invited me to Mali for it’s largest net distribution to date. Along with insecticide treated mosquito nets, the Red Cross and its various partners have taken the initiative to administer measles and polio vaccinations and to provide Vitamin A supplements and deworming medicines to all of Mali’s children under the age of 5. Over the next few days I will learn about these 5 interventions and the importance of their integration.
Truth be told I didn’t know very much about Malaria until I became sick with it. Even after I was diagnosed I wasn’t as scared until I saw firsthand what it could do under such a short period of time. So imagine the damage it can do on a small child who isn’t as strong?
Even though we live in Canada, this disease is closer than we think. As more of us travel, Malaria can hit closer to home through our friends and family. Being here for this campaign will be something I will never forget. I will be a part of an experience that will essentially change so many lives.
Upon checking into the hotel, I unpack my bags and power up my laptop. I sleep lightly as I am eagerly anticipating what’s to come over the next few days.
While I muddled through my French, I somehow managed to secure an entry Visa, exchange my pounds into the local CFA currency and then I navigated my way through the manic rush hour-like atmosphere at baggage check. There were a lot of bodies, a lot of suitcases and very little space to move around. I enjoyed every second of it.
After I made my way to the parking lot, I was picked up by Nicholas who’s been living in Mali since July and by the lovely Nathalia, both Red Cross delegates and both trilingual; French, Spanish and English. How amazing is that? Did I mention that I’m still trying to master English?
As we pulled out of the airport, I took a deep breathe of Malian air and ditched my winter coat. Although it was nearing midnight, the drive into Bamako, the country’s capital, was eventful. There were scooters zipping up and down the busy highway, people walking on the side of the road and the horizon of the city was filled with lights.
The Canadian Red Cross has invited me to Mali for it’s largest net distribution to date. Along with insecticide treated mosquito nets, the Red Cross and its various partners have taken the initiative to administer measles and polio vaccinations and to provide Vitamin A supplements and deworming medicines to all of Mali’s children under the age of 5. Over the next few days I will learn about these 5 interventions and the importance of their integration.
Truth be told I didn’t know very much about Malaria until I became sick with it. Even after I was diagnosed I wasn’t as scared until I saw firsthand what it could do under such a short period of time. So imagine the damage it can do on a small child who isn’t as strong?
Even though we live in Canada, this disease is closer than we think. As more of us travel, Malaria can hit closer to home through our friends and family. Being here for this campaign will be something I will never forget. I will be a part of an experience that will essentially change so many lives.
Upon checking into the hotel, I unpack my bags and power up my laptop. I sleep lightly as I am eagerly anticipating what’s to come over the next few days.
Labels: Africa, bed net, Canadian Red Cross, Malaria, Mali, Nam Kiwanuka, Red Cross
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