March 2022 Update from IHP

Dr. Charles Powell writing:

The New Year has brought new challenges to IHP and to me personally. With Dr. Kitundu's resignation as president of IHP-JEMA-TZ, that responsibility falls to me. Navigating the policies and requirements of a complicated government service are sometimes baffling and frustrating. Nonetheless, we continue to try to move forward and to keep our eyes on our goal. We still have one purpose; to supply excellent healthcare to the people, and especially the children, of Tanzania. I am so grateful that one thing remains constant. The donors, the backbone of our organization, continue to make our progress possible. Asante sana! (Thank you very much!)

Charles W. Powell, MD President, IHP-US, IHP-JEMA-TZ

Den Lofstrom writing:

In my 20s when I was in medical school at the Univ. of Minnesota, I joined Franz Halberg’s research group into circadian rhythms, and began a continuing association with NASA. I prepared to be a mission doctor taking a special residency in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and eye surgery. I was already in Family Practice in Pine River, Minnesota.

When I was in my 30s, after receiving a diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in Liverpool, England, I spent 4 years in Tanzania then returned to the U.S. to take a fellowship at the Univ of Minnesota in pathology.

When I was in my 40s, I had my own pathology laboratory serving 11 hospitals in Northern Minnesota.

When I was in my 50s, I worked as the chief of Emergency Medicine at a Level 1 trauma center in St. Cloud, MN.

When I was in my 60s I married Paula and we started going to Guatemala with HELPS International doing medical missions there, ten trips over 15 years.

When I was in my 70s after our return from overwintering at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, I returned to Tanzania, this time with Paula, to start rebuilding Iambi Hospital.

When I was in my 80s, IHP started Nyakato Health Center.

I am in my 90s, having just celebrated my 94th birthday. Your donations to honor that occasion are helping to continue the building of The Children’s Hospital at Zinga.

Thank you.

Paula Lofstrom writing:

Yes, the book of Den’s extraordinary life is being compiled by my stepsister and outstanding editor, Rita Rousseau.

To continue to fund what IHP has started and continues to grow, please send what’s comfortable for you to:

IHP – Duane Quanbeck, Treasurer

2420 N. 6th Ave. East

Newton, IA. 50208

We’ll use it wisely to further quality medical care in Tanzania.

Blessings and gratitude,

Paula and Denny

Dr. Bonaventura Mazezele writing:

Hi Everyone,

We thank God for everything; we thank you donors who are supporting us. Your support is very helpful for helping the IHP JEMA TZ hospital to survive.

You especially help patients who live in extreme poverty like this 45-year-old woman who has been sick for 2 months. She has been using local herbs at home because she had no money to attend a hospital. The wound spread, became infected, and that caused cellulitis.

[Cellulitis is a bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin.] Her neighbors decided to bring to our clinic, and we started treating her with IV antibiotics and daily dressing changes.

After 2 weeks the progress was good, the swelling subsided, and the wound much improved.

She is happy with our service. YOU MAKE THAT POSSIBLE WITH DONATIONS TO IHP. THANK YOU.

Selemani Shabani writing:

Dear friends of IHP family,

This is the time each month for us to give you the updates of what is happening here in Zinga/Bagamoyo. I would love to take this opportunity to thank every one of you for being part of the IHP family. We are a happy family.

IHP has managed to do a lot of things through you, such as the outpatient building that is built and has been operating now for several years. The x-ray has been fixed and is now serving patients again.

You are why we are now able to serve people who need us. You are the reason for the existence of this facility here at Zinga Bagamoyo.

You have brought lots and lots of smiles to our community.

Thank you very much for your help and support. Thank you very much for doing this God's work.

Selemani;

IHP-JEMA-TZ contractor

Dr. Kenny writing:

Dear IHP donors,

We hope you are doing well.

We are doing well and are standing strong to support the vision.

I received an 8-year-old (Fatuma Hassan) who fell from a table and landed on her elbow. She came to the clinic complaining of pain in her left hand. There was no swelling or decreased range of movement, the family brought her to us for a 2nd opinion.

An x-ray was done at another facility, and it ruled out fracture or dislocation. It was a soft tissue injury. Fatuma was given analgesics and is now doing well. She’ll follow up with us as needed.

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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.