I lived in Tanzania over the last year and half prior to moving to Baltimore. I was working as a nurse in the country and was constantly exposed to clinics and hospitals that were in dire need of basic equipment. I visited Mambo View Eco Lodge last Easter and as part of the trip I visited the local dispensary (a small primary health clinic) to have a chat with the Clinical Officer, Mary. Mary has grand aspirations to be a doctor so she can come back and serve this population better. She has hand written graphs displaying average weights, nutrition status and population statistics of the local villagers. The graphs indicated that nutrition status of the children and families were generally good, but family planning is a huge concern with the average family having 8 children. The village also battles HIV, Malaria, and childhood diarrhea. Tanzania in general has a very high maternal mortality rate and Mambo is no exception. Mary and I did an assessment of the dispensary's medical supplies and was shocked to find that there was not even a stethoscope or sphygmomameter (blood pressure cuff). Mary and I (with the assistance of Herman at Mambo View Lodge) have since worked on a supply list and I would like to raise money to supply the clinic with basics. Basic supplies include but are not limited to: working scale, microscope, slides, stethoscopes for all staff members, blood glucose machine, and other priority goods. These goods would help Mary do basic lab tests like correctly diagnosing malaria and diabetes. Herman at Mambo View Eco Lodge and I will make sure the goods are sustainable and well looked after.
Mambo is a village of approximately 5,000 people in the Lushoto area of Tanzania. The village sits on a cliff over looking Mkamazi Game reserve and has breathtaking views of Kiliminjaro. Over 50% of the population are under the age of 10 and the average daily wage is less than 1 USD. Mambo has one dispensary clinic (local primary clinic) that caters for not only Mambo, but the many rural inhabitants as well. The nearest hospital is over 2 hours away and even this hospital lacks needed supplies.
I will be traveling back to Tanzania at Christmas and will deliver the goods in person. 100% of all donations will go directly to buying medical goods.
