From Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, the Member of Congress representing Algonquin Township:

This past week, I had the immense privilege of traveling to Nairobi, Kenya on a bipartisan trip with 17 of my Congressional colleagues. Africa’s unprecedented population growth will impact geopolitics, global trade, migration, and almost every aspect of life. By 2050, 1 in 4 people on Earth will be African. As policymakers, we have a duty to learn as much as we can about this booming continent. 

One of the most memorable parts of the trip for me was visiting the Kakuma Refugee Camp. With over 200,000 refugees, Kakuma Refugee Camp is one of the largest camps in the world. I will never forget walking through the hospital and coming across a child who was literally screaming because they did not have enough to eat. Fortunately, this child was beginning treatment, but others are not so lucky. Global health inequity is an injustice. Health care is a human right and I will continue working with my colleagues to achieve global universal health care and end unnecessary and preventable deaths. 

Now that I am back in the United States, I am looking forward to a busy week meeting with constituents and traveling throughout the 9th Congressional District.

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Jan has probably spent more time in Africa since taking office this term than in McHenry County.