As I sit on my balcony gazing out towards the Indian Ocean, I realize just how much I love my job and life in Africa. I am currently in Dar es Salaam attending an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Workshop sponsored by WHO. How fabulous to feel embraced by this community – to walk into a plenary session only to see so many familiar friendly faces.

(My view from the hotel – White Sands)

We spent the last three days delving into topics such as monitoring and evaluation, interoperability, data use, patient identification, and patient care. Nineteen African nations are represented, offering an array of lessons learned and insight from the field. Aside from the knowledge gained by these face-to-face interactions, I am enjoying the company of my colleagues.

(Friends at the conference – Chris, Carl, Janise, Fitii, and Eva)

(Amy on the beach in Dar)

I am also proud of the work being done in Malawi, which is continuously referred to by other countries. Considering our budget, we are truly on the cusp of numerous innovative developments – primarily the point-of-care touchscreens. In fact, we are in the process of developing our national Electronic Data System scale-up plan for antiretroviral therapy, building a central repository/data warehouse within the Ministry of Health, and exploring public private partnerships with the telecommunications industry.

(Exploring the alleys of Stone Town)

(Boats in Stone Town)

(Child in Stone Town)

I’ve also managed to combine work with pleasure. One of my friends from the conference joined me on a little excursion to Zanzibar. We took the morning ferry from Dar to Stone Town and had one day to explore all the highlights that Zanzibar has to offer – which isn’t nearly enough time. Granted, it was long enough to appreciate its cultural heritage as we wound down the small alleys discovering shops, bazaars and mosques interspersed throughout the town.

(Wandering through the streets of Stone Town)

(Beach in Nungwi)

(Early morning in Nungwi)

We took a taxi to Nungwi, a small fishing village that straddles the Northern tip of the island. The beaches here are stunningly beautiful – with quintessential white sands and crystal blue waters. I relished in its beauty as I walked up and down the shore line.

(Beautiful beaches in Zanzibar)

(On the beach)

And I ate seafood galore! After living in a land-locked country (with an unreliable cold chain), one needs to take advantage of their geographic locale!

(Anchors in low tide)

(Searching for food)

I am now back in Malawi gearing up for the holidays. My friend, Eric, will be visiting from Austin. I can’t wait to show him around this beautiful country – granted the rainy season is in full swing. We’re going to take a ‘little’ road trip to Pemba, Mozambique.

(Roaming along the beach in Stone Town)

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Sending much love and happiness…

(spices of Zanzibar)
Amy