News Update April '06

News from Chidamoyo
This is just a short up-date to keep you in touch with what is happening. We are on the point of transferring £3,000 to the hospital- £1,000 to Education sponsorship, £1000 to the prevention of the spread of the HIV virus to the unborn child and £1000 to the Orphan support Programme. It is better if we do this in large amounts for two reasons. Firstly it saves on the transfer fees and secondly, because the inflation rate in Zimbabwe is running at 913% it is better that we keep the funds in our bank account in the UK until they are needed.
Since the last doctor left to work in Australia, Kathy, the matron, has been kept very busy. At present the doctor only visits once every 2 weeks from Makonde- 3 hours away. The hospital treats about 1,000 patients a month, so Kathy has to prioritise everything she does. The good news is that she is getting a premed student from the US to help for 6 months. The best news is that the rains have been good and people have been able to grow food this summer.
As well as the money which we are sending there is also a box of medical equipment about to be collected by BAA for shipment. This includes a Haemoglobinometer – the first piece of equipment bought with the money raised by Reading Roadrunners for the furnishing of the new Medical Testing Unit.
A very big thank-you goes to you all for your continued prayers and financial support. Although we sometimes feel frustrated because we can do so little, people’s suffering is being relieved and lives are being saved. Without you, this could not happen.