Good News, Bad News

Maggie leading songs at her church

We are so inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment one of our sharp new health workers, Maggie, brings to her role as Kafwa.  Shortly after going through the training last June, Maggie started working with Mr. Chabinga, a man in her community, who had a huge open ulcer on the top of his foot that extended up the side of his ankle.  He had sought help at the clinic to no avail.  Maggie began cleaning and dressing his foot (wearing gloves of course!) and after 2 months of diligent work, they both declared victory with a healed wound.  She even brought us 'before' and 'after' pictures last month so we could see for ourselves.  That's the good news!  Then last week we received an update email from Maggie saying she was sad to say that Mr. Chabinga passed away February 9 after being ill for two days with malaria.  Another needless death!  We're trying to find out if he went to the clinic, obtained medicine, etc.  We're hoping to find a way to empower the health workers to prevent at least some of these deaths from malaria.