One of those days

I am a second year medical student and have recently been chosen to join the Sanyu research team's BabyGel study which is testing the effectiveness of alcohol hand rub in preventing newborn infections in the first 3 months of life. This trial is being carried out in Mbale, Uganda. I am helping to evaluate how well the mothers in the trial have been educated in how and when to use the hand rub. Through focus groups, the mothers will give their opinions of how well the hand rub worked, what could be improved, when they used it, and whether they liked it or not. This use of antiseptic alcohol hand rub could save these babies lives: globally, neonatal infection accounts for half a million deaths each year - predominantly in developing countries. In Uganda every year, 1 in 20 children sadly do not reach their fifth birthday. Intervention is vital to ensure that these babies get the healthiest possible start to life, so they can thrive and have successful futures. It would be an incredible opportunity for me to travel to Uganda and meet the mothers and babies in the trial myself. Speaking with them would be an invaluable learning experience and I would be privilaged to learn more about their daily life and how the trial is working out for them. I would appreciate any sponsorship to help me towards travelling to Uganda and carrying out this research. Thank you!