Friends of Chitambo: May 2018

2 fabulous fundraising talks

In or around Edinburgh, Scotland this May? We have 2 fabulous fundraising talks. The first, by Mr. Callum Christie, author of 'Goodbye Colonialism, Farewell Feudalism' is on Thursday 17th May, 2-4pm at the Penicuik Townhall. Details here: https://u3asites.org.uk/penicuik/events
It charts the history of the Barotseland in the run up to Zambian independence. Mr. Christie has very kindly offered to pass any proceeds from his book sales to Friends of Chitambo. Heartfelt thanks to him for that.

The second talk, on Saturday 19th May, 2-4pm, at St. James the Less Episcopal Church, Penicuik, is by Dr. Marion Taylor, author of 'Livingstone's Hospital the Story of Chitambo'. She will be talking about Livingstone's character and the fact that, for such a famous man, he actually failed at most things he did! Please see this link for details: CLICK HERE FOR THE FLIER
Marion is also talking on behalf of Friends of Chitambo and we thank her very much too.

Please come and support us if you can!

Road accidents

More reasons for supporting emergency care improvements in Zambia, and in Chitambo District...recent bus accidents.  Although thankfully not in Chitambo District, they are all too common.   One bus was headed to Johannesburg, South Africa, and crashed south of Lusaka.  The other, in Northern Province, was said to have careered off the road due to the driver speeding.  In both cases, there seemed to be an organised response, with lists of passengers posted up at the scene, to help people check if their relatives were involved.

But how good if the 992 freetoll number (shortcode for health) could be implemented soon as this would surely help to speed up response times and save lives?

Red ants in medical ward!

All rural hospitals face challenges but this one, at Chitambo Hospital, Zambia, is a bit different from some. Biting red ants marching up the wall of Medical Ward!

Hospital staff are unphased. Patients are evacuated to Surgical Ward whilst solutions, including applying diesel, are sought. However, the Environmental Health Technologist is summoned and soon has the situation under control. Job done! All in a day's work!

Red ants in Medical Ward

Scottish Zambian Association (SCOZAA) celebration

Great to meet old friends and new last night at the Scottish Zambia Association (SCOZAA) gathering at the Scottish Parliament. Celebrating SCOZAA's new charity status and Diverse Talents' successful Small Grant award for a project about drama for health education purposes. Well done all!

Zambian National Biomedical Laboratory Professionals Week

22 to 28th April was Zambian National Biomedical Laboratory Professionals Week and the Chitambo team was out and about in the community providing services and raising awareness.
One dedicated team member travelled to far distant Solwezi, North Western Province, to attend the associated Scientific Symposium and present a paper. The Symposium was a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and the Biomedical Society of Zambia. Impressive work everyone! You are making Chitambo proud!