Assignment Departure

02.17.2011 – Today I awoke to celebrate my 31^st birthday by downing a malaria prevention pill with a glass of water.  As I pack my bags for an 8 hour flight to Europe, then 8.5 hour flight to Nairobi, I begin to realize all the preventative measures I am taking.  I have received yellow fever, typhoid, a polio booster, and hepatitis A and B shots, as well as multiple medications for allergies, cold/flu, fever, and headaches.  As I pack these items into my bag, I realize how much I take for granted that I rarely have to face any of these diseases here in the US, but if I do, I have access to the best medicine offered in the world.  However, where I am going, the people of East Africa live in daily fear of these “common” diseases, and in most cases, have little access to the a cure after infection, much less the preventative measures which I am fortunate enough to take ahead of time.  Hopefully, through programs like the corporate service corps, we can make these common diseases a rarity in all parts of the world by providing all citizens the services they deserve.