Blog #1
After more than nine months of thinking about Pulse, talking about Pulse, dreaming about Pulse, preparing and planning… the ‘all about Pulse’ becomes a reality. It hits on that final flight, close to destination, when you hear the captain’s voice: ‘Cabin Crew: prepare for Landing’…
I land in Uganda a mild Sunday night, October 1st. As a true Brit would say: ‘pinch and a punch for the first of the month’ (to keep the witches away). All I have is 6 months’ worth of bags, a frazzled brain from the past few weeks of handing over the role I am familiar with (to the best team, if I may say); having packed up my life again, yet feeling surprisingly calm and ready.
Prepared? I am landing in a new country, where I don’t know anyone and have a vague understanding of what the next few months will look like. Nevertheless, the essentials are there: some supply chain skills, an open mind, curiosity for what is to come, trust in myself and those that have encouraged and supported me in getting here (you know who you are, THANK YOU!) as well as key ingredients: a touch of courage and a pinch of adventurousness.
Prepared or not, I have landed: Kampala, capital of Uganda, I am here now! Already some conversations on the flight were inspiring; what is it about Africa that attracts people who want to make a world of good? Volunteers, doctors, engineers, nurses… a variety of skilled individuals who have one thing in common, they share a passion and a purpose: to help others.
After a few hours’ sleep (under a mosquito net), it is day 1 in the office and I am being introduced to my new colleagues and office for the next six months: CHAI (Clinton Health Access Initiative) has an instant good energy about it; their mission (now mine too) is to save lives by helping people gain access to essential medicines and Healthcare. As an entrepreneurial, mission driven organisation, CHAI works in partnership with governments to bring transformational change, proud of their people who innovate and challenge the status quo with strong commitment to the urgency of saving lives.
I am already humbled and in awe of this team; every conversation has the patient in the centre and utmost priority. True professionals of all backgrounds (from investment banking consultants, to doctors, biologists…you name it) all focused on not just making a difference, but making it a sustainable impactful change.
I am to spend most of my time working with a newly created cancer team on improving access both in the public and private sector, partnering with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Ugandan Cancer Institute (UCI). In addition, I will also support with their supply chain strategy in other areas (HIV, Vaccines, Integrated Child Health).
I am lost for words, all I can say in my first attempt at explaining my first 3 days Kampala with CHAI is ‘WOW’, I don’t think I have ever learnt so much in less than 70 hours, been so moved by the work already done by just a small team, and been so fascinated by the energy, passion and knowledge of those around me. I hope I can make more sense in what is to come in my next blog. Watch this space.
I can feel your excitement about PULSE and your assignment coming through your writing. You’ll do an amazing job and I’m excited to read about your adventures. Have fun 🙂
You guys have shown me the ropes.. I’m just playing catch up!
Wahooo…the journey has begun! Glad you made it there safe and sound – keep us posted and how you are doing 🙂
Absolutely 🙂
Me encantó! Lo vi en el momento justo, gracias!
Gracias guapa! Espero tener mas que contar en unas semanas. Un abrazo!!!
Alex, My very best wishes in the journey. Sounds like so exciting and rewarding to help others.
Gracias Miguel, un abrazo!
Hi Alex! I can “read” your excitment on this new chapter of your life. Gorgeous! All I can wish you is: live it second by second, try to do you best helping & influencing people around, leave your mark! And let Africa leave its mark on you too! All the best & keep us updated! Diego
Thank you Diego – more updates will certainly follow 🙂 Thank you for reading!
60/5000
I am happy to know that your adventure starts in the best way.
Thank you Jose… remember all adventures start with that wish and courage to take some new challenges! 🙂
So cool to see you start on this journey, can’t wait to hear more!
Thank you John, for your support and encouragement. Indeed, lots more to come!
So pleased to hear your adventure has begun! Thank you for sharing the start of your journey with us. Be well!
Thanks Marybeth! How are you?
Muchas Felicidades Alex. Animo es una experiencia increíble y noble. Estaré atento a tus blogs.
Abrazo desde Mexico
Hugo.
Gracias Hugo! Un abrazo muy grande desde aqui…ahi te ire contando capitulo a capitulo!.
Great story Alex. Good luck with your placement, I know you will make a real difference. 🙂
Thanks Mike – not sure about a real difference but hopefully something that is of value to this community.
Great blog Alex, sounds amazing and good on you 🙂 I look forward to the next instalment. You’re going to be fabulous . Bec
Thanks Bec! will hopefully make it worth a read 🙂
Hi Alex, I’m really glad that you arrived well to Uganda. Just reading your words fills me with a lot of emotion and transports us to this new experience that you are living. I wish you the greatest success in the world and we are waiting for more post. A big hug from Panama.
Thank you Paola! more to come soon.