The Story Behind my Mission

Discover how I went from abstract thoughts to realistic actions.

My Journey

How Malaria Nets Reached Uganda

Last summer, I asked myself how I could take action on an issue that affects millions of lives. That led me to dive into the most globally pressing public health issues and find out about malaria and learned about it—its origins, causes, and solutions. With that knowledge and with my mother’s support, I partnered with a Chinese company supplying insecticide-treated nets in bulk. After reviewing the material (polyester), cost (~US $2), and insecticide (deltamethrin), I made my first purchase.

It then took several months to find a reliable partner on the ground. Finally, I connected with International Midwife Assistance in Soroti, Uganda—and we launched our first net distribution together.

Why malaria nets in Uganda

The government of Uganda has paused net distributions since a few years ago. In the Soroti region of 250,000 people, fewer than 1 % are pregnant—but they are especially vulnerable and desperately need protection. Soroti is a high-transmission region where Anopheles mosquitoes thrive because of its warm climate, standing water from seasonal rains, and rural agricultural environment. Due to low investment in infrastructure, healthcare facilities are not easily accessible, leading people to miss their best malaria treatment period. For pregnant women, the risks are even greater. Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making malaria symptoms more serious. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health and International Midwife Assistance, we are able to extend a helping hand and deliver nets where they’re needed most by supplying insecticide-treated nets directly to pregnant women in clinics and villages where vulnerabilities are highest.