The following photos were shot in Uganda in September, 2013. This essay was written to show the value of empowering grassroots implementation of malaria education and control at the village level, while leveraging the national framework of Rotary clubs across Uganda.

GIRL FROM KATAKWI
A young girl waiting to be tested for malaria.

THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
More than half of the population in Uganda is under the age of 15.

A RURAL VILLAGE IN MULANDA SUB-COUNTY
Over 80% of the population of Uganda is rural, and malaria is endemic in over 95% of the country.

A MOTHER COMFORTS HER DAUGHTER – Pediatric ward, Katakwi Hospital
There are 200 to 300 malaria-related deaths every day in Uganda, the majority of which are children under the age of five.

HENRY AND HIS MOTHER
Henry recently lost both his father and son to malaria. You can watch him tell his story in this video.

SEATTLE-AREA & UGANDAN ROTARIANS WITH PILGRIM AFRICA STAFF – Jinja
This last September, Pilgrim Africa’s Seattle staff traveled to Uganda with a group of Seattle-area Rotarians in order to explore ways to help alleviate the suffering that malaria causes for families like Henry’s. While there, the team jointly ran several malaria medical camps, and hosted a national symposium with participation from the Ministry of Health, USAID, Peace Corps, and many Ugandan Rotary Clubs.

TRAVELING TO THE SSESE ISLANDS — Bukasa Island
The Ssese Islands are an archipelago of eighty-four islands in Lake Victoria. Laying the foundation for continued partnership in the battle against malaria, the team traveled 4-hours by ferry to Bukasa Island, and hosted two malaria camps.

PILGRIM-ROTARY MALARIA CAMP — Bukasa Island
The Rotary motto of “service above self” was on full display.

LOCAL VILLAGERS ATTEND THE KATAKWI MALARIA HEALTH CAMP — Katakwi District
The team then journeyed to eastern Uganda to host a second malaria outreach, together with local Rotarians from Soroti District.

VILLAGERS TAKE SHELTER FROM THE RAIN — Katakwi District
In spite of the rain, over 1,200 people showed up to be tested for malaria.

SEATTLE ROTARIANS ADMINISTER RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS — Katakwi District
Statistics from the Katakwi malaria camp:
1,200 people were tested for malaria.
51% were found to be positive, and treated with life-saving medication.
75% of those with malaria were under the age of 15.
Of those who had access to nets — 240 people — 98 were found to be positive.

MOTHER AND CHILD — Katakwi District Malaria Camp
Or in other words — over 600 lives were saved because of partnerships and service above self.

THE GOVERNOR OF KATAKWI GETS TESTED FOR MALARIA – Katakwi Malaria Camp
Hon. John Ekongot, the Governor of Katakwi District, is deeply commited to the strategy of empowering grassroots implementation of malaria education and control at the village level, while leveraging the national framework of Rotary clubs across Uganda.

MOTHER AND CHILD — Katakwi District Malaria Camp
Saving lives, and bringing hope.