Prep for Tanzania: Immunizations and Prophylaxis

So this brings back memories: traveling to a developing country near the Equator, working with locals towards better health. In 2008, I went on a medical brigade trip to Honduras and helped another group plan a brigade to Vietnam. In preparation for Honduras, I learned about travel clinics and immunizations and diseases that are basically non-existent in the U.S. but prevalent in these parts of the world. It is quite an eye-opening experience to learn how to prevent getting malaria, typhoid and dengue, the likes of which one would never really encounter here in Seattle.

For Tanzania, proof of a yellow fever vaccine administration is actually required to enter the country! It's also advisable to receive the typhoid vaccine; polio and tetanus booster; and Hepatitis A. Then there's the malaria dilemma. There is no vaccine against malaria but there are malaria prophylaxis. Malaria prophylaxis are antimalarial medication that would help you fight malaria if you're bitten by a mosquito that has the pathogen. Many of the options available require the traveler to take the pills a week prior to entering the malaria zone and up to 4 weeks after leaving the zone. And then I was told about medical evacuation insurance that I will have to get. This is in case something catastrophic happens and I need to be airlifted out of Tanzania to South Africa or a European Country for quality care.

That's pretty intense, right?

Well, I had my travel clinic appointment this morning and updated all my immunizations and am good to go on that front. It's a humbling thought really. Here I am, getting ready to go to Tanzania, a place of 42 million people and I go through this big list of preventative health checks. It is so great that I have  access to these amazing medical breakthroughs. But what about the people living there already? Yes, many will have built up immunity because they've lived there for a long period of time but how is their quality of care?

I can't wait for the day when places like Tanzania, Honduras and Vietnam have effective and high-quality healthcare that people have full access to. It is something that has required and will continue to require hard work and perseverance and I know it is something I will work towards for the rest of my life. I believe it is possible! :)

"Habari?" "Nzuri!"

I am sipping my favorite tea and reading over SIC's prefield manual for Tanzania. There is a page dedicated to common Swahili greetings and key words that I should be familiar with.

"Habari" is a greeting like "How are you?"

"Nzuri" is the response: "Good!"

Since I am leaving in May(!) I better start buckling down on my Swahili!! Luckily for me, Swahili uses the same letters and pronunciation as English. I am checking out several books on Swahili from my library and will be carrying around a stash of flash cards with me for the duration of the next few months. And then I'll put it to practical use! :)

"Tuko pamoja!" "Together, we fight AIDS!"

Japan Relief

In times of calamities and disasters, I believe that the best of humanity surfaces. It is exactly one week ago that the 8.9-9.0 earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. And in these past seven days, countless lives have been turned upside down, torn apart and lost. This has led to an outpouring of responses from the rest of the world to aid in relief efforts. I have seen so many businesses, foundations and websites dedicate contributions to the people of Japan. That's why I'm going to post the link to the Red Cross HERE.

I can't imagine what these people are going through. And in the midst of trying to fundraise for my own trip, the earthquake has really put things into perspective. People are generous and in the face of disaster; help will come when asked. That's when the true goodness of humanity really shines. It gives us hope as we face the unknown and offers comfort when it is sorely needed.

This is why I am going to Tanzania. I believe that with increased knowledge about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, there is hope in the fight against AIDS. 

Rotary Members and Scones...

I am thinking back to high school days and all the different foundations in the area that gave out grants and scholarships. This includes the Seattle International Foundation and Rotary Clubs. By any chance, is anyone a member of the Seattle, Renton or Bellevue Rotary or know of a member who may be interested in supporting SIC?

On a different note, I am testing out a new scone recipe, potentially for future booths/tables!

New Date

So I confirmed April 3rd for my little booth after the three morning Masses at St. James Cathedral. I thought it would be better then since there are ongoing collections for the relief efforts in Japan right now. I think that's more urgent too. So, April 3rd it is! Next up, I'm going to call Sam's Club and see if I can set up car washing dates. I just hope this weather clears up so people will want their cars washed! :)

Now enjoy this great photo because it's beautiful! (from Pioneer Woman)

So far...

I've been talking to friends about this trip and the response is really amazing. Everyone is super supportive and excited for me too! I can hardly believe I have a blog...wow!

It's a bit nerve-wracking, this whole blogging thing. I wanted to make sure things work perfectly! Now that I linked this on Facebook, it's now people that I know who are visiting! Sooo, if you feel you want to donate, there's that button on the right! ;)

SIChange

I am really excited I was accepted into SIC's program in Tanzania. SIC aims to increase HIV awareness and prevention and does so through the work of student/post-grad volunteers education rural villages. Teams of 2 volunteers will live in each village for 8-12 weeks and prepare lesson plans and HIV testing. This is the nonprofit site: sichange.org

There are 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. 70.5 percent are 25 to 49 years old, and 15 percent are 15-24 years. With the high poverty level in Tanzania, coupled with a challenging infrastructure, the quality of care and awareness of HIV/AIDS needs to be improved.

I plan to be part of the solution. With my time in this program, I will be in prime position to help the people learn more about the virus and associated diseases. I believe education will be the key factor in this struggle with HIV/AIDS. I will be in Tanzania from May 18 until July 30.

I will be leaving my position as a research technician at the University of Washington to venture on this project. The costs and fees amount to a bit over $5000 which covers room/board and education/testing materials. If you find that you would like to support or sponsor me on this trip, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for your generosity. Whether it be $5 or $500, no gift would be too small.

A note on this blog. If you do not mind receiving a receipt for a tax deduction (donations smaller than $500) than you can click DONATE HERE. If you want a receipt for a deduction, you can donate at my fundraising site for SIChange. http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/veronica-nguyen/students-for-international-change

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at veronica144@gmail.com

Many thanks for your support -- and please don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! :)

Hi There!

I'm just now starting my blog! I think this will be a great opportunity to keep in touch and to let my family and friends know what I am up to! Stay tuned... :)