Week 11- Before leaving

It’s Hanna again.

The 11th week was just as challenging as the previous one, since I was losing the battle with time. There were still very many details which needed to be taken care of.

On Monday we would go to the dispensary to make some final observations and to check-up on some previous HBC patients. During the evening I needed to start writing reports.

Tuesday was another important day – we (Gasto and I) met Raizon and his aunt in KCMC in order to do the blood tests needed and to see the neurologist recommended by the Gabriella Center. We were very lucky to have gotten everything free in the KCMC. The Social Welfare Unit offers free medical check-up to orphans. Unfortunately the blood count machine was broken during that particular day, so we had to pay another fine trip to KCMC on Thursday.

Wednesday was my last day in Msitu Wa Tembo. In the morning Gasto and I went to the dispensary and we tried to implement the blood pressure (BP) measuring system once again. We gave an automatic BP machine and a colored table of  BP for diagnosing hypertension  to the dispensary as a gift. We had discussion with Dr Risiki about the treatment of hypertension in the dispensary.

Giving the BP machine and the chart to the dispensary.

Thursday was occupied by the revisit to KCMC. In the evening attempted to reorganize all the drugs left from the caravan and to make my best to finish the reports.  I also passed some important work to Paula which she kindly accepted.

Although the end was hectic and difficult, I would not exchange this experience for anything. None of the decisions during the last weeks were easy, but there is absolutely no charm in taking the easier option.