30 Jun 2025
As I boarded the flight from Lagos to Cape Town, I had no idea the journey ahead would teach me as much as the conference I was attending. I met Dr. Ola and Goodness on that flight, though none of us realized at first that we were headed to the same destination: The Global Health Network Conference, 2022. What brought us together wasn’t just our common purpose; it was an unforeseen challenge that shaped the days ahead.
What struck me about Dr. Ola was his careful attention to a grey scroll that he carried, treating it like it held the answers to all the questions in the universe. Through transfers in Kenya and again in Johannesburg, his focus on that scroll remained strong. Meanwhile, I traveled light, just a shirt and trousers, expecting my checked luggage to meet me in Cape Town. Goodness, similarly unfazed, carried only a small lady’s bag and jacket.
It was at the South African Airways ticket desk in Johannesburg that we realized we were all attending the same conference. Our flight had departed, and the next one, the last for the day, was at 7 pm. Dr. Ola had a poster presentation, Goodness, an oral presentation, and I was part of the planning committee for the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Symposium, a side event of the conference. At that moment, we became a team, all determined to make that final flight to Cape Town.
We arrived late that night, tired but relieved. However, our relief faded when we discovered that our checked luggage hadn’t made it past Lagos, Nigeria. I had only the clothes I was wearing, Dr. Ola had his laptop bag, and the now infamous grey scroll, and Goodness had her small bag. The airport staff assured us our luggage would arrive in a few days.
It was Sunday. The luggage delay could have thrown everything off course. But as we stood there, we realized we weren’t going to let missing luggage define us. We were in Cape Town for a reason, and we would make the best of it.
Word of our ordeal reached the organizers, and they went out of their way to make us comfortable. One stayed up past midnight to ensure we were settled in our residence. On Monday, despite our wardrobe limitations, we showed up. Goodness delivered a powerful presentation about her public health advocacy work in Nigeria. Dr. Ola unpacked his grey scroll and stood by his poster with pride. And I, alongside my team, hosted the AMR Symposium, successfully engaging attendees in discussions.
The luggage didn’t arrive until Friday, just as the conference was wrapping up. But by then, the missing bags had become a mere footnote in a productive and transformative experience. Reflecting, I realized that this small hiccup had taught me valuable lessons that have since shaped my career in global health research.
1. The World is a Small Place:
The world is interconnected, especially in the global health research space. Our paths crossed for a reason. Dr. Ola, Goodness, and I were strangers when we boarded that flight, but our shared experience turned us into collaborators. We leaned on each other in a time of need, and that teamwork carried through the entire conference. In research, as in life, collaboration amplifies impact. No one achieves greatness alone.
2. Every Role Matters:
Dr. Ola’s poster presentation, Goodness’ oral presentation, and my role on the organizing committee each had their unique value. Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, every role in global health research contributes to the greater whole. There is no hierarchy in making a difference. Everyone is part of the larger mission, and what matters is how well you play your role.
3. Obstacles Are Stepping Stones to Growth:
The missing luggage was a catalyst for unexpected opportunities. In our search for solutions, we met the Director of The Global Health Network. Through our conversations, the idea of establishing The Global Health Network Nigeria was born. What began as a challenge turned into a pivotal moment for advancing research infrastructure in Nigeria. Perseverance leads to new doors opening.
4. Global Health Research is a Team Effort:
Global health research is not a solo endeavor. It’s a vast network of individuals, ideas, and resources coming together to solve complex problems. Throughout the conference, I witnessed the power of teamwork. From organizers to participants, everyone contributed to the collective success. Asking for help, sharing resources, and collaborating across borders are essential to making a lasting impact.
5. Stay Focused, But Keep an Open Mind:
While focused on AMR, I realized that research thrives on interdisciplinary connections. Conversations with researchers in different fields sparked new ideas and opened doors to collaboration. Global health research doesn’t exist in silos, and staying open to ideas outside your immediate focus can lead to innovative solutions.
6. Integrity Matters–Even When No One Is Watching:
One of the greatest lessons from this experience was the importance of integrity. Whether on a plane from Europe or in a conference hall in Africa, your actions, dedication to ethical research practices, and treatment of others reflect who you are as a researcher. The way you conduct yourself, especially under less-than-ideal circumstances, shows your character. In global health, integrity is non-negotiable.
7. Your Story Has Power:
I learned the power of storytelling. The missing luggage became a shared experience that bonded us and became a story worth telling. We often underestimate the value of our experiences. Stories have the potential to inspire others. Sharing our journey contributes to the collective knowledge that benefits everyone in global health.
In the end, the conference was more than a professional gathering, it was a reminder that challenges are growth opportunities. The missing luggage was not just an anecdote but a metaphor for unexpected hurdles in research. It taught me resilience, collaboration, and the importance of staying open to possibilities. Most importantly, it reminded me that no matter how small the world may seem, the impact of our work on global health is boundless.
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