Update for Zambia Health Clinic Equipping

Mrs May Ngandwe from Chilipi with her child.

Through this project, three health clinics in Chipili, Chishinka and M’soro (St Luke’s Mission in Mambwe District) – built by ABM’s Partner Zambia Anglican Council (ZAC) – have been equipped with essential equipment, enabling them to provide better facilities for patients.

Chipili, Chishinka and St Luke’s Rural Health Centers are owned by the Anglican Church in Zambia and located in the Dioceses of Luapula, Central Zambia and Eastern Zambia respectively.  The three Centers serve a population of more than 48,000.

The project addressed the need at each health clinic for adequate supplies of mattresses, blankets, bed linen and curtains. The lack of curtains at Chishinka clinic particularly impacted on the patients’ need for privacy in the labor ward. Each of the three dioceses reported on the purchase of mattresses and bed linen, the transportation of the equipment, and the handover ceremonies.

Chipili Mission Health Centre in Luapula Diocese were able to purchase 44 blankets, 48 bed sheets sets and 60 blankets. The diocese provided the transportation and covered the cost of fuel.

“At community level people were all smiles and ready to be part of the monitoring to see that these items are put to good use. The community members who were in the off-loading team sang and women ululated the Zambian way.”

The handover ceremony took place on 1st July 2014 at the Chipili Health Centre where the mattresses, blankets and bed sheets were handed over. There were about 100 people present including the Dean of the Cathedral, the Vicar General, representatives from the District Commissioner’s office for Chipili, project and health centre staff and community health workers.

The District Commissioner sincerely thanked ABM and ZAC, and the Dean thanked all the people who witnessed the ceremony and urged them to continue collaborating with the church.

Mattresses being delivered to Chipili Health facility.

Mr Felix Chishala, neighborhood Chairperson, giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the community at Chipili Health Centre.

 

Chishinka Health Centre, Central Diocese, received 40 mattresses, 41 blankets, 50 bed sheets and 12 curtains.

A local transport company was used as the diocese had no funds to transport the goods and had to negotiate on the purchase price of the bedding in order to cover the costs.

The items were delivered to the staff and the Area Headman at Chishinka Health Centre, whereupon receiving the delivery, “the excited Headman immediately opened the items and started displaying to show case to the community members.”

The Headman spoke on behalf of the Chief and the community, and said “this was a demonstration of the love of God by people in Australia who hardly knew any beneficiary. Without such help the people in the community would continue suffering and losing lives.”

A staff member and Headman at Chishinka show off blankets and bedding.

Putting up curtains at Chishinka Health Clinic.

 

St Luke’s Rural Health Centre, Eastern Zambia Diocese, purchased 50 mattresses, 51 blankets and 60 pairs of bed sheets plus protective covering for the mattresses. The clinic felt that protective covering was important to extend the life of the mattresses.

Transport proved to be a challenge in the diocese so a lot of negotiation with suppliers was necessary in order to cover the cost of transport. Unfortunately they had no access to a camera to record the delivery of the items.

In their report, the Anglican Church in Zambia expressed their thanks:

“Sincere gratitude is extended to ABM and Zambia Anglican Council for supporting Chipili, M’soro and Chishinka Health Facility Equipment Initiative project, and all people who were involved in the purchasing, off-loading and delivering. We also thank those who came to witness the handover ceremonies in all clinics.”

None of this would have been possible without our generous donors and supporters so ABM is most grateful to all of you who helped us with this project. Thank you.