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Once again, I would like to thank The Global Health Network for the opportunity I was given to visit the UK and represent TB Fast Track/ The Aurum Institute during the RSTMH meeting held in Oxford. Not forgetting my colleague Dr Aaron Karat for giving me a platform to go in his stead. It was indeed an honour and I will always be grateful. Below is a brief report of my experience both at the Global Health Network offices on the 24th September 2014 and at the RSTMH meeting (25th to 27th September):
 
I arrived in the UK on the 23rd September and spent half of that day with Tamzin Furtado, the project manager from the Global Health Network. Even before my arrival in the UK, Tamzin was the one who arranged all logistical requirements needed for my trip. On Wednesday, the 24th I was invited to come to the Global Health Network offices. I was introduced to the team of about seven people. Later Tamzin invited me to a meeting with her and Francois Van Loggerenberg. They explained what The Global Health Network is all about and I was also given an opportunity to talk about my research experience as well as what The Aurum Institute (my employer) does.The next day, the RSTMH meeting started at Oxford town hall; ten minute walk from where I was staying. The theme of the meeting was Measuring Progress. Presentations were mainly what is outside of The Aurum Institute scope of work, very interesting and enlightening nevertheless. The central topic of the day (25 Sep 2014) was: Global burden of disease where most speakers talked about Malaria looking at what progress has been made in the tropical regions so far.
 
One speaker presented on HIV/TB integration touching on what are barriers of integrating these services, this was indeed eye-opening getting to know the challenges other African countries are facing. On the 26th, the central topic was - Measuring progress achieved with international financing. The interesting part was when one speaker spoke about the effects of diplomacy and global health in some countries, in particular Somali Land and Zimbabwe. The highlight was when he talked about how the lack of diplomatic relations between countries like Zimbabwe and US resulted in the lack of health programs’ funding. He gave an example, even though South Africa and Zimbabwe are both burdened by HIV, SA was heavily funded and this is all because of diplomatic relations. In my opinion it would be interesting if further research is done in this area to get more data looking at other areas as well. I learned of other studies that focus primarily on neglected tropical diseases such as Podoconiosis and Trachoma.
 
Of course, the moment I was waiting for finally arrived; our video (A day in the life of our clinical trials) was shown to the audience. I was earlier approached by the chair and co-chair to answer few questions related to the video. Even though it was nerve wrecking initially, I was glad I was given the opportunity to do so and that the questions’ session went well.
 
The 27th was also packed with great presentations; it was wonderful for me to hear presentations focusing on animal health and zoonoses though it was all new. But my understanding all in all was broadened as far health issues are concerned.
 
My entire stay at the UK was awesome, not forgetting the Global Health Network team for making me feel like I am part of them. I enjoyed every moment being there and I felt inspired to study more and more.