Maggie, one of the Kafwa health workers in Zambia, has been a bit discouraged that she has not been able to volunteer in child monitoring clinics. But read about what she IS doing and see what you think! This is her report....
Febly Chansa, a two-year-old in the community, was burned badly by hot water on her hand. Maggie stepped right in, treated her with a little triple antibiotic ointment and had her hand healed in a matter of days. Mary Chilufye, another neighbor, was burned on her hands and legs by a spilled pot of hot beans. Again, Maggie to the rescue! Burns are common in Africa, especially with the children, because most of the food is cooked over open wood fires with pots balanced on stacks of rocks or bricks. To make things worse, children worldwide seem to be fascinated by fires and are attracted to them like little moths to light. Not a good combination.
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| Maggie (her husband is pastor in a very needy area) |
But it's not all problems with burns. A teenage girl in the neighborhood, Eva, had malaria and coughing. Maggie said she gave her "Good Morning" pills. [When I emailed Maggie and asked her what that was, she said "good morning tablet is just like good morning cough syrup it works well and not expensive." Must be cough drops.] Then there was 16-year old Aaron who had severe diarrhea. Maggie treated him with Oral Rehydration Solution (sugar, salt, and water) but also had to help him obtain a prescription. He too responded to her help right away. Maggie may feel she's not doing enough to be a 'real' Kafwa, but I'm sure her neighbors don't share that feeling. I know they are extremely grateful to have her available to help them.
P.S. Maggie has another new skill. She's learning to send emails. We are now the beneficiaries of her stories and reporting long distance.
