This week saw us complete the first annual Medical Examinations for the students of Kilimahewa Nursery School.
Dr Cleopa Mbwambo, is a paediatrician at the local Mawenzi hospital, and came highly recommend by Mama Grace, who we live with whilst staying in Moshi. We were also very fortunate to have Dr Jessie, a friend visiting from the San Francisco, who is also a paediatrician, so we had some great expertise looking after our kids.
We met with Dr Mbwambo for the first time last Friday to discuss the program, agree on what would be involved and a cost for his time. Our initial perception of Dr Mbwambo could best be described as a little man with a very big personality. Standing approx 1m tall his favourite saying is “The kids are not scared of me because I am the same size as they are” and what he lacks in height he makes up for in personality. Our planned 30minute meeting, took almost 2 hours learning not only about basic child health care in Tanzania, but the formula for calculating BMI, a detailed explanation of how worms travel through your system and a 20minute ‘warm up’ discussion about how today was the Solstice and what that actually means ! We were in for an interesting few days, and we finally concluded the meeting with a Doctor and agreed days and time to start our program.
Although the children were all on school holidays this week, Mr Massawe visited the homes of all the students to ensure they came back to school to receive their examination. Of the 67 students we managed to have 42 return for their check ups, and another 10 from my friend Katies program at nearby Karanga village also attended.
All children were weighed and measured, checked to ensure they had received their compulsory immunisations as a baby, and given general physical examination checking teeth, skin etc, and provided with worm medication.
Overall there were few major health concerns. One 5 year old child is showing possible HIV stage 2 symptoms and has been referred to the hospital for further tests – it is critical however that cases like this are treated with caution as the stigma often associated with HIV could see the children treated as outcasts or even abandoned.
Another student, Junior, who is 4 years old and suffers from severe bowing of the legs, believed to be rickets, caused by deficiency of Vitamin D. We have also referred him for further tests to try to improve his quality of life, not that anything appears to slow him down at the moment.
Other problems included one case of pneumonia, and a couple of chronic sinus infections – all of which are now receiving treatment and on the mend.
Most children have a very poor diet, consisting mainly of corn maize porridge which has very little nutrient value. Thanks to our chicken project the children now have 1 egg per week to increase their protein intake, and I am working with Mr Massawe on improving the nutrients we put in the porridge – for example the best source of B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and Omega 3 is to mix dried/crushed sardines into the porridge. Sounds revolting, but I am assured it is not only affordable but quite enjoyable ????
Ringworm was also evident in almost all children, some with minor irritations on the scalp others with more serious symptoms and fungal infections all over the body.
Each child was given their own Medical Exercise book, so their parents can keep track of their health, and I also captured all data in a spreadsheet so we can compare their progress next year. This also allowed us to compile all the required medications and take to the pharmacy – there is no such thing as a prescription here you just hand over your list and they hand you 15 courses of antibiotics. (for approx $5)
All children also received a new toothbrush and toothpaste, and have asked Mr Massawe to conduct a lesson in teeth hygiene next week. Many children had severely rotten teeth, often caused by eating too much sugar cane and not brushing teeth.
Overall a very successful few days, and a program we intend to conduct annually.
Dr Cleopa Mbwambo, is a paediatrician at the local Mawenzi hospital, and came highly recommend by Mama Grace, who we live with whilst staying in Moshi. We were also very fortunate to have Dr Jessie, a friend visiting from the San Francisco, who is also a paediatrician, so we had some great expertise looking after our kids.
We met with Dr Mbwambo for the first time last Friday to discuss the program, agree on what would be involved and a cost for his time. Our initial perception of Dr Mbwambo could best be described as a little man with a very big personality. Standing approx 1m tall his favourite saying is “The kids are not scared of me because I am the same size as they are” and what he lacks in height he makes up for in personality. Our planned 30minute meeting, took almost 2 hours learning not only about basic child health care in Tanzania, but the formula for calculating BMI, a detailed explanation of how worms travel through your system and a 20minute ‘warm up’ discussion about how today was the Solstice and what that actually means ! We were in for an interesting few days, and we finally concluded the meeting with a Doctor and agreed days and time to start our program.
Although the children were all on school holidays this week, Mr Massawe visited the homes of all the students to ensure they came back to school to receive their examination. Of the 67 students we managed to have 42 return for their check ups, and another 10 from my friend Katies program at nearby Karanga village also attended.
All children were weighed and measured, checked to ensure they had received their compulsory immunisations as a baby, and given general physical examination checking teeth, skin etc, and provided with worm medication.
Overall there were few major health concerns. One 5 year old child is showing possible HIV stage 2 symptoms and has been referred to the hospital for further tests – it is critical however that cases like this are treated with caution as the stigma often associated with HIV could see the children treated as outcasts or even abandoned.
Another student, Junior, who is 4 years old and suffers from severe bowing of the legs, believed to be rickets, caused by deficiency of Vitamin D. We have also referred him for further tests to try to improve his quality of life, not that anything appears to slow him down at the moment.
Other problems included one case of pneumonia, and a couple of chronic sinus infections – all of which are now receiving treatment and on the mend.
Most children have a very poor diet, consisting mainly of corn maize porridge which has very little nutrient value. Thanks to our chicken project the children now have 1 egg per week to increase their protein intake, and I am working with Mr Massawe on improving the nutrients we put in the porridge – for example the best source of B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and Omega 3 is to mix dried/crushed sardines into the porridge. Sounds revolting, but I am assured it is not only affordable but quite enjoyable ????
Ringworm was also evident in almost all children, some with minor irritations on the scalp others with more serious symptoms and fungal infections all over the body.
Each child was given their own Medical Exercise book, so their parents can keep track of their health, and I also captured all data in a spreadsheet so we can compare their progress next year. This also allowed us to compile all the required medications and take to the pharmacy – there is no such thing as a prescription here you just hand over your list and they hand you 15 courses of antibiotics. (for approx $5)
All children also received a new toothbrush and toothpaste, and have asked Mr Massawe to conduct a lesson in teeth hygiene next week. Many children had severely rotten teeth, often caused by eating too much sugar cane and not brushing teeth.
Overall a very successful few days, and a program we intend to conduct annually.
Dr Jesse and Dr Cleopa consult !
This little fellow , Junior, is believed to be suffering from Rickets, a severe bowing of the legs caused by Vitamin D deficiency. It certainly does not slow him down though !
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