Deep in the Forest of Savannakhet: A UN Volunteer’s Journey to Help Eliminate Malaria

To reach the remote villages of Nong district, Sanjaya Acharya left behind the paved roads of the city and the modern world entirely. His trek to the front lines of disease elimination involved off-road drives, balancing a motorbike onto a slim boat to cross rushing rivers, and navigating treacherous forest tracks. For Sanjaya, who served as a UN Volunteer supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), the destination was an opportunity to work side-by-side with rural communities to protect health and livelihoods.

Sanjaya’s mission focused on providing technical assistance to national malaria programs. His days involved training local healthcare staff and village volunteers, improving data quality, and strengthening case management to ensure timely reporting and prevent relapses. The true impact of this work became clear during Targeted Drug Activities (TDA) in the field, where clinical strategies turned into human connection.

"Living with the villagers deep in the forest, with no access to modern communication technology, was an unforgettable experience," Sanjaya recalled. "Initially scared, I soon found comfort in sharing indigenous food. Communicating through basic human instincts was an eye-opener to the raw realities of life."

While staying in traditional Kato houses and adapting to local norms, Sanjaya witnessed profound resilience. Without cellular signals, he found a community deeply connected to its surroundings. "The immense joy in the eyes of the children playing freely was a powerful reminder of authentic happiness that comes from living in harmony with the environment," he reflected. It also gave him a lasting appreciation for basic privileges, like food security, that are often taken for granted in urban centers.

Seeing how actively the community participated in those health interventions left a lasting mark on Sanjaya. The warmth and strength of the people transformed his assignment into a deeply personal milestone. "This experience was truly transformative," he said. "I felt honored to have witnessed the diverse traditions here. Collaborating with such a dedicated team made everyday rewarding."

For Sanjaya, the assignment fulfilled a long-cherished dream of giving back to communities in need while expanding his professional skills. As Lao PDR continues its push toward health equity, he hoped his journey would inspire others to step forward.

"Volunteering for a humanitarian cause is a truly noble endeavor," Sanjaya said. "Whether responding to crises or working to improve local livelihoods, UNV provides a powerful platform for those dedicated to making a difference. It was incredibly fulfilling and offered a unique chance to make a real impact."