Shots and Tots

……. and breathe……

We’re still on the subject of healthcare, but today is about positive action in this challenging environment.

Today, 111 children were tested and if appropriate, vaccinated against Hepatitis B. 

Hep B is becoming a major problem in this area. The team from the Baptist Church Medical Centre, who came to carry out the programme, tested 6,000 people in one district, and 400 tested positive. In one village, out of 800, 44 had Hep B, and in 4 families, more than 4 people have the disease.  I also discovered that Hep B is so contagious it is transferred by any bodily fluid – including sweat.  A lot of sweating happens here. It’s very, very hot.  Because of this, children are particularly at risk as they often share a bed, or swap clothes.  If an adult is found to have Hep B, the primary source is frequently a child, the only other positive person in the family.

It was great to be involved. I was on ‘administration’ with Hope – which involves one printout and lots of tiny bits of paper - on which we have to handwrite children’s names and reference numbers. I was crying for a spreadsheet and printer by the end.  I just wanted to press ‘find’ for a number, not scroll manually through over 200, in no logical order! Most of the children were Ok with ‘having a prick’, though we had a few tears and a couple of screamers.

The children in the Ark were tested for HIV and Hep B. Tom was on Ark duty today. Tomorrow we repeat the whole process again.

At lunchtime we had a break and visited the home of Fred and Viola, familiar friends to some of you. I think we’re going to put on weight this week – it was a feast.

Another treat today was meeting one of our sponsored children, and 2 children sponsored by friends at our church. It’s great when you actually meet sponsored children.  Even better when you ask, ‘Do you know your sponsor’s name?’ because you think you recognise the child’s name, and they reply, ‘No, but they have two sons called Tom and Noah.’  Love it – they really do read your letters!

We also finally visited the wonderful Amecet today, and their ministry leader, Els. The YWAM home currently has 28 children. There was 1 very sick premature baby on their medical unit, I think 4 tiny babies, and another 5 slightly larger babies (they all looked miniscule to me).  Most of these babies’ mothers died during birth.  After a few months, when they are strong enough, the majority will be reunited with their family.  They also take children referred by the police for child protection reasons. The babies and toddlers all had quilts on their beds – thank you so much to those of you who sent them.

Els says they are looking for nurses – so if you fancy a few months volunteering at Amecet and you’re a qualified nurse, we’ll put you in touch!

This was all a great encouragement after yesterday. Seeing hope and healthcare in action.  A Hep B test and vaccination are not free – GC is funding the programme.  All the staff have been tested and the majority already completed a vaccination course. The medical team today offered a reduced rate for families of staff members – it usually costs around £6 per person, the same as a night in a cheap hotel.  It was a privilege to be here and see it happen, I never doubt the truth of what GC tell us as supporters, but I can vouch for it too.  It is also fantastic to see the work of other NGOs, to meet incredible people like Else, who have literally laid down their lives for sick children.