Journey to the pearl of Africa- My TASO Uganda experience
Making the decision to come to Africa is no small decision
for most Westerners. The generally negative reputation and almost exclusively
fear-mongering news we see leads many of us to make sweeping judgements across
an entire continent made up of 54 different countries and millions of people,
which is extremely unfortunate.
As an individual, I want to begin to share my experiences to
add a small stack on the other side about why Africa, and in particular Uganda,
is a place of great opportunity and beautiful people. Uganda, is known as the Pearl of Africa, that is apparent once you set foot in this lush environment.
What brought me to Uganda was a chance to intern at one of the
largest HIV/AIDS care and research institution in the developing world, named
The AIDS Service Organization, or TASO for short (www.tasouganda.org). I recently graduated
from my Masters of Science degree in Public Health from the London School of
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The few months in-between my graduation
ceremony I decided it would be valuable to gain more experience in an African context,
which I hope to direct my career path towards to some capacity in the future.
My focus on research and my previous employment experience has centred around
HIV/AIDS, so in some sense it was a no-brainer to come aid in the battle in
endemic countries.
Having worked in British Columbia, Canada, we have advanced
our efforts to end AIDS, in part with Dr. Julio Montaner’s 90% of people at
risk of HIV being tested, 90% of those who are HIV+ receiving treatment and 90%
of those people advancing to a viral suppressed state (http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2014/90-90-90)
.
Our prevalence figures on HIV+ persons are nowhere near what
Uganda and many other countries globally face, yet these international goals
are still trying to be met. The impact of ones work here can shift many lives
if the right approach is taken alongside a reputable organization and a
tireless team.
TASO Uganda has set the bar high with over 28 years of experience during a very unforgiving time in the late 80s. The 16
founding members stories are inspirational about what they worked for and the
staff appreciated what a cornerstone this HIV/AIDSS prevention and treatment organization
is to Uganda.
In the coming weeks I will detail my journey in setting up
my internship with TASO, preparations for the trip, my arrival, first days of
work, adjustment period, research project and the short-term effects of our
work as well as wrapping up and reflecting on the entire experience. I hope to
instil a curiosity that drives you to look into interning as a student or new
graduate at TASO or getting a more accurate picture of what you may be in for.
Until the next time,
Jillian
