Thursday, February 16: Net Distribution

Beautiful sunrise over Lake Victoria.  Our days begin early and end late but they are always beautiful!

Thursday morning began early with a beautiful sunrise over Lake Victoria.  This is the view from the balcony outside my room.  After breakfast we loaded the team into the van and Baker, our driver, drove us safely to Kawempe District.  We were about an hour late due to traffic and a number of other variables and when we pulled up many villagers were already there and waiting patiently for their net.  Before the nets were distributed, Steven, Sarah and Chairman did some training.  Recipients were taught how and when to use the nets.  People lined up following the presentation and the distribution began.  Everyone was very appreciative of our efforts and of the nets.  Hopefully many lives were saved that day!

On that note, I can tell you that one life was certainly saved at the hands of our founder Debra Lefebvre.  While the rest of the team was busy distributing nets with the local village health team members, Debra became aware of a mom and child in the crowd.  As she explained later, she "heard" malaria.  The child, held in its mother's arms was labouring to breathe and had a fever.  Debra recognized the signs of malaria right away and quietly arranged for our driver to take the woman and her child to the hospital for treatment.  Later in the day we questioned her about why we had seen Baker driving away with a mother and child.  Debra told us about what she had done, and when pressed she explained, that without treatment that child probably would not have survived another day.  That is what our founder does and that is what Buy-a-Net is about.  The foundation is saving lives, one woman, one child, one family at a time.

Villagers are first trained how to use the nets.

Faye White (left) and Margot Christie (middle) distribute nets.

This little girl waited for several hours with her mom to get a net.  She did not whine, fuss or complain.   She will benefit greatly from the net that her mom received.  Pregnant mothers and children under the age of 5 are most at risk from the devastating affects of malaria.

Debra, the founder of Buy-a-Net, distributed many, many nets this day.

In closing, it was very rewarding to see the process unfold.  In my case, it began with the idea to raise funds.  Plans were made, beads were sold and jewellery made and sold.  These funds were donated to Buy-a-Net which were then used to buy nets.  Then, a hard working and dedicated team of Ugandans ensures that the nets are delivered to those in need.  When Debra is here with a team we get the opportunity to join in the process but it is important to note that the work of Buy-a-Net continues year round.