I’ve just returned from an unforgettable journey through Tanzania and Kenya—a trip filled with purpose, connection, and hope.
As First Gentleman of Iceland, I have the privilege of serving as a patron of several organizations, including Interburns. On this trip, I visited several hospitals and burn units, among them Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma. Everywhere I went, I met extraordinary people—doctors, nurses, and therapists who dedicate their lives to helping others heal, often with limited resources but with limitless compassion.
Burn injuries remain a serious challenge in many parts of Africa. In countless homes, cooking is still done over open fires, and a single spark can change a life forever. That’s why Interburns’ mission—building sustainable systems for burn prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation—matters so deeply. It’s about empowering local teams to deliver safe, effective, and humane care under any circumstances.
For severe burn victims, high-protein and collagen supplementation can be lifesaving. Collagen works by replenishing what’s lost, fueling tissue repair and helping to rebuild both skin and strength.
How collagen supports the skin after a severe burn
Supplementing with collagen peptides provides a ready source of key amino acids used in collagen synthesis which saves the body from having to make them from scratch while under extreme stress.
Rebuild and Repair Skin Tissue
Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, connective tissue, and scar formation. When new skin is forming after a burn, the body needs enormous amounts of collagen to:
- Rebuild the dermal matrix (the deep layer of skin)
- Strengthen and tighten new tissue
- Reduce the risk of the wound reopening and infection
Replenish Extreme Protein Loss
Burn injuries can destroy large amounts of skin and muscle tissue. Proteins are lost through burn wounds and are also broken down internally for energy. In fact, burn victims can lose up to 25% of their body protein stores in the first few weeks if not properly nourished. Without rapid replacement:
- Muscle mass deteriorates
- Immune function collapses
- Wound healing slows dramatically
Hypermetabolic Storm Support
After a major burn, the body’s metabolism can increase up to 200%. This causes an increase in heart rate, temperature, and energy. When this occurs, the body’s protein requirements can soar up to 3 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, far above normal dietary needs. Collagen helps to meet those needs and prevent:
- The body from breaking down muscle for fuel
- Delayeing the healing process
- Extending recovery time
Heal Faster with Fewer Complications
Clinical studies show that high-protein, collagen-rich nutrition accelerates wound healing and skin graft success. Patients experience:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Lower infection rates
- Improved long-term outcomes such as scar strength and flexibility
Immunity Support and Inflammation Control
Amino acids from protein and collagen (especially glutamine and arginine) help the body rebuild itself while fighting off infections and are vital for:
- Immune cell function
- Tissue regeneration
- Regulation of inflammation
Reflections from Tanzania and Kenya
During this trip, I was reminded how closely nutrition and healing are linked. Skin and tissue repair require essential building blocks such as proteins, vitamins, and collagen. Since collagen plays a vital role in restoring strength and elasticity to damaged skin, I’m donating Just Björn Marine Collagen to help support recovery and nutrition programs at these burn units, hospitals and recovery centers we visited. This is what Just Björn has always been about—it’s not just a product, but a belief that healing starts from within.
Nourishing the body and supporting those who care for others, we can create ripples of strength and renewal far beyond ourselves. Standing alongside the Interburns teams in East Africa reminded me how interconnected we all are. Whether it’s a medical professional saving a life, a small act of kindness, or a pouch of Just Björn Marine Collagen finding its way to a patient’s bedside, every contribution counts.
Upon leaving those wonderful countries, I felt a deep sense of gratitude, for the people who dedicate their lives to healing, for the chance to witness their work, and for the shared belief that together, we can build a world where recovery, dignity, and nourishment are within reach for all.
Healing. Humanity. Collagen. Connection. That’s the journey and it continues.
