Where were you in Uganda during the outreach in November and what was the main purpose of your trip?

During the outreach in Uganda last November, I was accompanied by my husband and our former CEO, Arnoud Aalbersberg, as part of my responsibilities after taking over his role last year. The purpose of my trip was twofold: to gain firsthand insight into the projects Travel Health Group has been supporting in Uganda for several years and to foster new partnerships while deepening existing ones.

Our outreach efforts, conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Coffee Farmers Association (UCFA), spanned two days, with visits to the Mityana and Luwero regions. Working with UCFA, we acquired printed mosquito nets from Twiga, the local printing factory, and distributed them at various locations, including smaller villages. These distributions were complemented by education sessions on malaria prevention and the importance of sleeping underneath a mosquito net.

Can you elaborate on any other collaborations or partnerships formed with local organizations during the outreach? 

Beyond the outreach activities, I engaged in meetings with key partners, including Twiga, and we attended gatherings hosted by two chapters of the Rotary Club, of which from the Ssesse Islands where we had previously distributed mosquito nets in partnership with the Rotary in October 2023. Attending Rotary meetings facilitated fruitful discussions and connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, who are actively involved in malaria prevention efforts.

Moreover, we started conversations with the Ugandan Red Cross which has great potential for an impactful collaboration. Our discussions focused on expanding beyond traditional interventions and delving into research initiatives. Leveraging their extensive network, we aim to broaden our reach engaging additional partners so that we can increase our impact together.

So what are the main insights you have learned during these meetings?

In my discussions with various stakeholders, such as the Red Cross and local farmers, I gained valuable insights into the specific needs of the communities we serve. Particularly the conversations with local women, who expressed interest in receiving assistance and education within their homes to improve malaria prevention practices. This contrasts with Western attitudes, where we may be more reluctant to accept help in our households.
Realizing this cultural gap highlighted how crucial it is to adjust our actions to match the needs and customs of the communities we serve. We saw that getting involved at the household level could really make a difference in how well our efforts work. By giving local community workers the tools to offer specific help and education, we can make sure families know how to fight malaria effectively.

Therefore, as we plan our next steps, it’s important that our initiatives go beyond distributing mosquito nets. In addition, we need to focus on building strong, sustainable networks of support within local communities, empowering individuals and families to take charge of their health and well-being. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to malaria prevention, we can make meaningful progress toward eradicating this disease and improving the lives of those most affected.

Can you describe the local community’s living conditions in the area where the outreach took place?

The living conditions in the local communities where our outreaches took place are quite basic. While I haven’t had the chance to see many homes from the inside, I’ve observed that families typically live in small, condensed spaces. In these areas, it’s common for an entire family, including parents and multiple children, to share a single area for sleeping, cooking and living. Because of this close living arrangement, it’s essential for each family member to have a mosquito net, as they may not all sleep in the same bed.

Given the compact nature of the housing, much of daily life takes place outdoors, with people spending their days working on their land. As part of our malaria program, we emphasize the importance of seeking shelter indoors from dusk to dawn (when the anopheles mosquito is active) and taking measures to minimize mosquito breeding in and around homes. Together with the UCFA we provide education to create healthier living environments, by addressing factors that contribute to mosquito breeding, such as stagnant water and certain vegetation in their gardens in order to reduce the risk of malaria transmission in the community.

What impact do you believe the printed nets will have on the community’s daily life?

We’ve gathered insights through interviews with local farmers and our distribution experiences. Firstly, the printed coffee related images on the mosquito net is a daily reminder for farmers that it is important to stay healthy while they work on their crops. This connection between their livelihood and their health encourages them to prioritize their well-being, sleeping under a mosquito net and ultimately leading to fewer cases of malaria.

Moreover, our nets stand out for their superior quality compared to those distributed by the government. They are soft, free from strong odors from impregnation, and easy to handle. This high quality not only enhances comfort but also practicality, as farmers can easily remove and reinstall the nets as needed throughout the day.

But most important, the economic benefits of reduced malaria cases are significant. When farmers and their children remain healthy, they can go to school and work, leading to increased productivity and income. This economic stability enables access to various benefits, contributing to improvements in both economic and social aspects of their lives.