FCE Health Post News The Team In the beginning of 2009, the Lord brought together a team of health care professionals very well suited for the work in the Health Post. As head of the health department, Yvette Maloney (who is a registered nurse registered with both the South African and Zambian Nursing Councils) has been joined by Patrick, a medical doctor from the Congo and Maria, a nurse from Holland both MIT’s (Missionaries in Training) as well as Wendy, a registered nurse from Canada who did the Missions Training last year. Susan, who has been involved in the work of the clinic for the past 2 years, continues to be an important part of the team.
Patrick
Yvette and Wendy
Maria
CTC School Children Assessments One of the projects undertaken by Patrick and Maria during a 5- week period in March/April was to conduct thorough health assessments on all students at the CTC. Such careful attention to their health was a new experience for some of these children, many of whom required some further referral and/or treatment. Malnutrition and other preventable problems are all too common amongst these children. Pray with us for wisdom to know how to best address some of the public health issues which are rooted in the need for community development.
Referral System Essential to comprehensive health care for those seen in the clinic is the need, at times, to refer to other facilities in the area. In order to make best use of existing services and to work together as much as possible with local facilities, we have been working at compiling a Referral Manual. This has required travel to the various clinics and hospitals in the area, meeting with administrators, doctors and others who can provide information about the services provided, how best to access those services, the costs involved as well as any contact information if possible. Though far from complete, at this point we now have some baseline information which will prove useful when the need demands services we are unable to provide. Ongoing Consultations At this time the clinic is able to provide primary health care to the staff and students as well as the workers, their families and a few others associated with the base (a population of about 200). In the future, however, our vision is to be able to play an important role in preventative public health care in the surrounding villages as well. Community Development Workers living in these villages will play a vital role in this endeavor. Already Yvette and Suzanne are working closely with the Community Development workers providing education and guidance in Community Health Care.
Working With Boma The FCE Health Post is registered with the Zambian Government and falls under the authority of the local District Health Office located just 5 km from the base at the Boma. By submitting statistics through this office we are eligible for some basic medications and supplies which assist greatly in the work of the clinic. We have also been gathering information related to the need for mosquito nets in the surrounding villages. By submitting this information we will be able to distribute these essential nets to where they are needed. Tropical Diseases Centre, Ndola The head of this research center has agreed to provide training in microscopy free of charge to our staff here. Although we are so thankful to have a microscope in our clinic, those who are trained in its use are few. We are thankful for this door of opportunity that has been opened to us. The Lord Provides We would just like to give testimony to the surprising way in which the Lord chooses to supply for the needs of the clinic. Often it is through what those involved see as a small contribution but is actually a timely answer to a specific need and combined with other “small” gifts, our needs, which seem large, are met. Thank you to those who have contributed to the work of the health post materially, financially and with your prayers. God is using you.
Opportunities For Service If you have some training, experience and/or interest in the medical field and feel you’d like to use your skills in a developing country, consider joining our team. Inquire about up coming outreach groups you could be a part of to gain some exposure and see how the Lord may lead you.