Arrival at Schiphol
On March 29, the big day arrived: Gertrude Lwanga, co-founder and driving force behind MTAA Kenya, came to the Netherlands for three weeks. She completed a packed schedule and made many new and old connections. Incidentally, it took ‘only’ six months to get a visa for her. Because: “What is she coming to the Netherlands to do, and how does the IND know she’ll go back?”
The purpose of Gertrude’s visit was to share MTAA’s unique approach to people suffering from the “slimming disease” (HIV/AIDS) with others. She gave two inspiring presentations, one for (former) tropical medicine doctors and one at the UAMC. Agreements were reached regarding conducting research at MTAA through the University of Amsterdam.
She also visited doctors who had worked with her at St. Mary’s Hospital in Mumias, Western Kenya. Old memories were recalled—pleasant ones, but often very emotional ones as well. For example, the first AIDS patients, the helplessness in the face of all that suffering, and the loss of doctors, nurses, and friends; also your own fear when you accidentally pricked yourself. All in all: the rollercoaster of the tropical doctor.
During the annual board meeting of MTAA Netherlands, we hear firsthand about all that MTAA does and how many people and children are now being reached. We hope that her enthusiastic reports will give MTAA another big boost.
Visiting UAMC, left Jeannine Nellen, head of the HIV outpatient clinic
To the tulips!