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Jesse Kitundu writing:
We are glad and doing well. We are happy because the vaccine for Covid -19 is given free.
There is hope that after vaccination, even if you are infected there is a good chance of survival as long as we are following the preventive measures.
The Project still goes on. The Good quality of care has attracted long ques that were not there before. The number of patients has increased significantly, and we are working hard to cope with it. The workload is quite a challenge as we have a shortage of nursing staff, we are not able to employ more for time being. We thank you for the support of salaries up to this moment.
Daniel has turned six. [This is a child we’ve been seeing since he was just a few weeks old. He was born with the need for a colostomy, a deformed left arm, and missing his left leg.] He attends the Orthopedics Clinic at Zinga. He has outgrown his previous prosthetic leg made by Mary Pace and needs a new prosthetic leg. He also needs school fees, about Tsh 120,000/ = $51.75. He is a smart kid.
As for construction, work has slowed down for the reason that we all know, but now we have started finishing with MCH [Maternal and Child Health Center] building that is much needed for the community activities like vaccinations, prenatal and postnatal care. Also, it is very important for primary health education like malnutrition, HIV and non-communicable disease. Apart from those, such services as they require screening, and other investigations will be quite supportive for our diagnostic section. (Lab, Ultrasound, and Xray). The building at this stage needs the internal finishing like the floor and construction of rooms in the container. Please we appeal for more support if possible.
Dear Friends of Mothers and Children of Zinga,
We continue to thank you for continuing your support regardless of the hardship we are going through.
Asanteni Sana Sana. [Thank you very, very much.]
Jesse Kitundu , MD
President IHP –JEMA Tz.
Dr. Kenny writing:
Dear IHP donors,
We surely hope that GOD is keeping you all safe and healthy, we are also doing quite well having patients of all ages now and helping a lot of people. I attended John (a 25-year-old man) 3 months ago, half of his left face was depigmented within a short period of 5 months.
His diagnosis of vitiligo. Was kept on daily betamethasone cream (topical corticosteroid) now 99%of his skin is back and he is extremely grateful and even brought some of his friends with the same condition who felt helpless and were living under stigma.
Dr. Kenny George.
Paula and Denny writing:
$25,000 Matching Grant Challenge to finish the MCH!
Yes! We have been challenged to match a potential $25,000 gift from Dr. Christine Petersen to finish the Maternal and Child Health Center. Will you join the challenge?
If the answer is YES!, please send a check with a note in the Memo Section noting that it is in response to the challenge grant to:
IHP – Matt West, Treasurer
8016 N Everton Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64152.
Or
Go to our website, www.ihptz.org and click on Donate
Or
Call Matt at 816-985-4406 and he’ll put it on your card.
In the past, we have had substantial donations in memoriam that have helped to build buildings in Tanzania for medical care to save lives. Some of those “Death to Life” memorials have been:
Patricia Schaefer left the money for the Patricia Ward at Nyakato and some of her ashes are in the foundation. Pat was a wonderful, caring nurse who was slated to come to Tanzania with a team from her church but passed away before they came.
Dr. Steve Vanasco was an anesthesiologist who came to Iambi and Nyakato with teams. He left a percentage of his estate, and this will be the Stephen J Vanasco Operating Theater in the NICU building when it is completed.
Eleanor Danielson Nelson’s family designated funds from her estate and those will be dedicated to one of the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Eleanor’s family has a long history with Tanzania, her father was a missionary pastor, and the entire family was there. Eleanor and her mother and siblings were on the ZamZam that was sunk by a German U-Boat during WWII and then rescued. She and her son came to Nyakato and refinished the doors for Patricia Ward.
Lillian Satrom was Mary Ellen Kitundu’s aunt. Her legacy will also be one of the NICUs when that building is completed.
The gift of life-giving/saving after death is as beautiful as it gets.
The Mary Ellen Kitundu Memorial Birthing Center will be a forever tribute to the woman with the insight and wisdom to see what was needed by the people of Tanzania and the way to make it happen.
You, our donors, are the ones who continue to make these dreams come true. Thank you.
Those of you who donate to IHP as a memorial when your friends and relatives pass away help to give back to the world for the lives that have passed to the next world. We are grateful for that and the ongoing healthcare that those memorial gifts make possible. Thank you.
In this time of social distancing and separation from friends and family, I offer this From Fr. Andrew Greeley’s book Irish Mist:
A Blessing of Solitude:
May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.
May you have respect for your own individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the façade of your life there is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening.
May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Blessings and gratitude,
Paula and Denny
Selemani Shabani writing:
Hello everyone,
I pray that everything is going well with you. I’m happy to update you on what is happening with construction at Zinga/Bagamoyo.
1. We have started working on the MCH Building. We are making 3 more rooms out of the container. Our plan is to have 9 rooms total for this building.
2. Our Bobcat has been broken for the past 3 weeks. Two of the hydraulic pipes are broken. This is because these pipes are very old and dry. So, when there is pressure from the hydraulic oil circulating, they break. This machine has got 10 long pipes. These cost $121.00 each. We need eight new ones for $968.00. We have managed to replace only two pipes.
Also, there are 4 more short pipes that need to be replaced. They cost $91.00. each. So, 4 x 91.00 = $364.00
Labor charge is $194.00.
3. The blue truck also is not functioning. It needs 2 batteries and they cost $233.00 each, therefore $466.00. The wiring and servicing will cost $289.00. We are seeking your help and support so that we can fix them. If we fix them then we will be able to repair our roads to the hospital and to do the landscaping before the rain starts. We are asking for your support in these issues. As all you know that our funds depend on you, the IHP DONORS. You’re the ones who keep us busy. You’re the ones who bring hope in our hearts. You’re the reason for many smiling faces out here. You’re the reason for our being where we are now. YOU ARE IHP ANGELS. Thank you for being with us. Thank you. Selemani Shabani.
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Paula Lofstrom Managing Director International Health Partners, US & Tz Pray, believing Act on your faith and go forward. God is always with you. Love is always the answer.