Fact finding trip to Africa

In September, a fact finding trip was taken to Malawi and Tanzania.

In Malawi it was great to see our new hospital wing being used and patients happy with the facilities. More to the point, this elective day surgical wing is generating income for free paediatric treatment, which was, of course, the whole point!!

Spending time in Tanzania later in the trip provided a valuable comparison for AMECA, as materials and fuel are significantly cheaper than in Malawi; this is clearly an important consideration for the charity in terms of future build costs. We hope to be able to provide you with more news once our research enables us to make informed decisions.

Moshi, in Tanzania, is way up north near the Kenya border and time was spent withReally Wild, to develop their new medical fundraising challenge. Many thanks are due to Really Wild, for their kind hospitality and expertise.

Visits to many rural hospitals and small clinics in the Kilimanjaro area revealed the usual dire need for supplies and equipment, which comes as no surprise. The sheer numbers of pregnant young women in the hospitals was beyond normal expectations, alongside the usual trauma and endemic diseases. In spite of the overwhelming need, these mission hospitals were staffed by wonderful nuns; all jolly, extremely hard-working and patient centred. The Mission hospitals seem to have a brand of deeply committed individuals whose faith is simply they way they live; their commitment and humanity leaves an enduring impression.

On this whirlwind trip, Tanzania definitely lived up to its reputation as one of the most incredible places to visit, full of fantastically interesting people. The constantly unfolding canvas of scenery, from typical African bush, to the Indian Ocean, to mountains and coffee plantations and the abundance of wildlife everywhere, proved a feast for the senses.

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