Mobile Clinic at Mapongala




Yesterday, Rene and I held our second mobile clinic at Mapangala.  At this clinic we provide weights for all children, vaccines for those who need them and pre-natal check-ups for pregnant moms.  We also provide a short educational talk related to pregnancy, child care or other related topics.



We provided education to the mom's about proper nutrition during pregnancy and breast-feeding.  We held two classes: one for the early arrivals and then a second one at the end of the day for all the rest.  The second class was 3x's as big.  The women received the education very well.  Pre-natal vitamins are also very important to pregnant women and breast-feeding moms.  Many women do not take pre-natal vitamins due to the high cost, so Rene and I offered them one month of vitamins at a very low cost with the hope that they would take them.  We were pleasantly surprised at the positive response...we took 33 packets and we ran out!!  Next month we will definitely take more!!



Many children in Tanzania die from malnutrition.  Watching their weights on the growth charts will help us to keep a closer eye on these little ones.  Education of the moms will also help them take better care of their children.


Rene also provides pre-natal assessments for pregnant women.  We had 4 ladies yesterday.  This assessment includes vital signs, weights, assessment of fetal heart tones, and fetal growth.  Without these mobile clinics, many of these women would not travel to the hospital for these check-ups.  During these mobile clinics, we will see these women every month.




We administer vaccines at the appropriate ages for TB, hepatitis B, tetnus, diptheria, meales, polio, pneumonia and roto-virus at no cost.  I love these clinics.  Many more people/children are cared for by mobile clinics than would be if the women had to walk with them 5 or more miles for care.


These are God's people....my brothers and sisters who I am instructed to care for.  This is why I do what I do.  The healthcare here is very lacking and the people are so poor that they are often unable to afford what healthcare is available.  My goal is to show them that they are loved and important.   And to work with and through the church in each village to provide bible studies and seminars about God's salvation.




 
The pictures above are just a few of tomorrows leaders in Tanzania.  God wants us to help them grow, learn and walk in his path just as much as he wants any other children to.  I pray that God will use me in whatever way He can to accomplish His plan.

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