A Visit to the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania

Dec 04, 2007

Dr. Francis, doctor for NetsforLife® and a health educator sailed along the Rufiji Delta (located on the central Tanzanian coast) to Mbwera Island with the last supply of malaria nets for the year.

Due to high wind and tides, Dr. Francis’ trip to Mbwere Island took two days. The voyage was longer because Dr. Francis went by sailboat instead of powerboat.

While on his boat loaded with a large quantity of nets, Dr. Francis felt a bump and the boat rocked. Dr. Francis asked the person manning the boat what happened and was told, “Oh, we hit a hippo.” Fortunately, they were able to escape before the hippo could cause any harm or damage.

Once Dr. Francis reached Mbwere Island, families purchased several of the high quality, low-cost nets. When used correctly, the nets help to prevent the spread of malaria by 50 percent.

The NetsforLife® partnership includes Episcopal Relief & Development and several private individuals and corporations including ExxonMobil Foundation, Standard Chartered Bank and the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. Christian Aid also plays a major role.

The Episcopal Church’s Millennium Development Goal Inspiration Fund supportsNetsforLife®.