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Written by Mary Bower
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Thursday, 04 August 2011 10:00 |
Yesterday I toured both St. Raphael's and the district hospital in Tanga, Tanzania. At both facililties I was struck by the young age of the patients. With the exception of an elderly stroke victim , all adult patients appeared to be between the age of teen to thirtyish.The average life expectancy in Tanzania is approximately 50 years of age. Malaria and AIDS related illnesses result in the majority of St. Raphael's admissions.
Over the past two days we have spoken with physicians, nurse matrons and the hospital administrator regarding their goals for the hospital and new nursing school. They explained dreams to expand the services provided to the local community, improving care, as well as expanding employment opportunities for local people. It is a dynamic, seasoned group with big dreams, each member complimenting the others.
The group explained how resources provided to the hospital from Ohio have enabled them to leverage for additional physicians providers at the hospital . The equipment we have sent will allow them to not only expand and improve on the services they currently provide, but will lead to resources (government paid employees) that will allow them to care for more patients .
In Tanga, there is potential for small efforts to multiply into into big results.
Dr. Mary Bower
 
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