Chitambo's Centernery Ambulance is in urgent need of help

The Toyota Landcruiser ambulance donated to Chitambo as a Centenary gift, in 2008, is said to have made a real difference  in terms of getting people to hospital more quickly, in case of emergency, and saving lives.  However, 'she' is not getting any younger and our Chitambo partners report that 'she' is now in need of repairs amounting to 12,500 Kwachas or around £1,250.  This more than the hospital can afford.  The ambulance has been lovingly nurtured by the local driver mechanics, who have kept her going despite the  long distances and rugged terrain involved.  They would like to keep her going as long as possible but, although the Zambian Government contributes a certain amount  to ambulance servicing, it is never enough.

One of our stated goals, within Friends of Chitambo, is to help to support  maintenance of this ambulance.  Reasons for this are not hard to see if  you watch this short Vimeo video from Pulse, an organisation which supports better access to maternal and child healthcare in Uganda and Zambia (http://pulsevillagetransport.com/): https://vimeo.com/101495779

Village Ambulances, pulled by bicycles or motor bikes, are certainly valuable and, as the video shows, they can save lives.  However, how much more so a 'healthy' motor vehicle which can transport an expectant mother, sick child, trauma victim or other emergency case rapidly to hospital?

Dr. Siame, Medical Officer in Charge at Chitambo, has forwarded the following breakdown of costs:

• Servicing of Injector Pumps..............................................£650
• Fuel to the capital and back..............................................£180
• Labour..............................................................................£76
• Driver's allowance (3 days)...............................................£135

Full Servicing, including:

• Oil change.......................................................................£54
• New diesel filter/air cleaner...........................................£40
• New oil filter...................................................................£40
• Stabiliser Rubbers...........................................................£50

TOTAL: …................................................................................£2,500

Friends of Chitambo is covering the top 4 (£1,041)

We need your help to raise the remaining £184

PLEASE HELP US TO HELP CHITAMBO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To make a donation, please see our Donations Page on this site, under Support Us.  

Thank you in anticipation of your help.