Last working day in Tanzania
Friday, May 12, 2006
 
DAR ES SALAAM — On another rainy day the group loaded up on our bus to see the U.S. ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Retzer. We wanted to get his insight on the malaria crisis.  The newly rebuilt embassy is slick and a modern wonder compared with the rest of Tanzania. I immediately felt just like I was back at home. (I guess technically I was!)
 
The outcome of this meeting was thought provoking. The ambassador did acknowledge malaria’s intense grip in Tanzania, which was a relief to me.  Despite this, I was left feeling that little would be done by the U.S. government to shine more light on this devastating situation at home based on  his response that it is up to the media to do more.
 
Later we held a press conference at the UNICEF offices. I sat there with my American colleagues anxiously waiting to hear what the African journalists would ask after our initial briefing.
 
For me, the most heart-wrenching question was,  ‘What can we do to eradicate malaria like you did in the U.S.?’ My stomach sank because I know there is no easy answer we can give them. The health care system is broken beyond belief in Africa, and the politics of this issue so complex.  Yet the nature and pleading tone of the reporter’s question shows these people are desperate – and rightfully so – for a solution.    
 
Our day ended on a high note. We had a formal farewell dinner, which was a nice way to unwind, socialize, and eat well. The minister of health attended along with all of our gracious hosts from the U.N. We said goodbye to our European journalists and to Louis, who, if nothing else must be admired for fighting so hard for a cause that primarily affects people of color since he is not black  himself.    
 
It is difficult to believe that our time here is approaching its end. We are exhausted and our heads filled with memories, statistics, personal jokes, and thoughts of what we can do to ‘break the back of malaria.’
 
I am proud to have been a part of a group of such impassioned and caring journalists -- who happen  to also possess intellect and tons of personality.  
 
— Cherie Berkley, WebMD