We marked World Malaria Day 2010 last week on Sunday the 25th of April. Leading up to the event we encountered many problems: corruption with the police, saving face (lying) of members within out own organization, and cancellation of organizations who were supposed to work with us. We were all a little nervous for the day as it looked like it was going to be a disaster.
Sunday came and we met at the hospital to begin our march. We'd announced this event for the past week over the public address systems (Voice of Gayaza, Voice of Kasangati), radio announcements announced in mosques and churches and talked it up all over the community. When we got there the only people there was our staff and 2 PCV friends of mine. Our march was small and pitiful. We tried to stay optimistic but when we arrived at the field we also found it empty of anyone besides our staff. Slowly people started to trickle in and we started.
We had speeches, prayers, national and tribal anthems sung, more speeches, a drama, an education seminar and many more speeches. By the end, we had around 400 people present and sold 690 treated mosquito nets. It was a big success. The Distric Health Office, a female Member of Parliment and a Bugandan princess all came to our event.
African time gets me every time. I honestly thought people would be there from the beginning but that's just not how it works here. Give them time and they'll come but never expect anyone on time.
DESCRIBING THE MALARIA PROCESS
A VISUAL-AIDS USED TO TEACH ABOUT MALARIA
STANDING IN LINE TO BUY A TREATED MOSQUITO NET
I'm so glad it was a huge success!!
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