Medical Testing Unit

Target: £20000

Why is this so important? Most people treated in the Chidamoyo Christian Hospital are suffering from AIDS related diseases. In order to diagnose HIV and tuberculosis it is essential that patients be tested. In order to ascertain whether a young woman, particularly an HIV positive patient, is pregnant it is essentially that a pregnancy test be carried out. Then measures can be taken to try to protect the unborn infant. Diagnosis is the first step in treatment. Diagnosis saves lives!

As the facilities available at government hospitals continue to deteriorate, it is even more important that testing can be done at Chidamoyo. At the moment testing is carried out but the facilities are very outdated and over-crowded. Blood samples are taken in the actual laboratory at present. The machines used need technicians with experience and training. Unfortunately because of AIDS related deaths and other factors, it is almost impossible to find and keep such people. Better, more modern equipment would mean that it would be much easier to carry out the tests.

The laboratory is also used to store vaccines which those of us living in the first world take for granted, but which are only available to people living in this rural area of Zimbabwe through work done by the Chidamoyo Christian Hospital. Vaccinations save lives!

At the moment plans for building the medical testing unit are still with the architect. We will publish them as soon as they are available. It is estimated, that extending and refitting the existing facilities, will cost about £20,000 and we hope to raise this amount by Easter 2006. Reading Roadrunners have undertaken to support our work as their chosen charity for 2005 and together with them we hope to have raised £17000 by the end of 2005. Thank you to everyone who supports us. Your donation can help make up the shortfall. Please give generously if you can. You can save lives!