In October 2022, our patron Bishop Patrick McKinney, Claudia Coxon (Fundraiser) and two trustees travelled to Tanzania to visit 10 health units we support. It was an eye opener for us all and helped us establish what the challenges are in their healthcare system and how we can bridge that gap.
We were warmly welcomed wherever we visited and the sisters in charge proudly showed us their pharmacy stocked up with Inter Care medicines and their other departments equipped with Inter Care donations such as microscopes, BP machines, PPE, and supplies for their intensive care units.
The challenges they face are still prominent and difficult to unsee. All of the smaller dispensaries had empty pharmacies, leaking roofs, no running water and poor electricity. One place told us they have to deliver babies in the dark.
On one visit, we met Veronica
Veronica is a mother, and her partner ran away because he had no money to care for the unborn child. This mother is now living with her parents. They are also very poor but elderly too. She then had to travel 30 miles to the nearest hospital once she had gone into labour.
This happens to many expectant mothers in Africa.
We met Veronica on our visit to Huruma hospital in the mountains. Her daughter was just a few hours old. Veronica was feeling vulnerable and scared. She Was Alone. We went to speak to her alongside the sister in charge of the hospital and gave her a gift. This gift was a postnatal care package. It included vitamin drops, soap, baby clothing, wipes, and barrier cream. Simple things but essential for Veronica as she cares for her child in the first weeks of her life. Afterwards the sister in charge said, “thank you for supporting vulnerable mothers. This gift will make such a difference and will help Veronica during this desperate and vital time”. Veronica was tired but she smiled at us and was grateful.
There were several days where we realised how important Inter Care is for patients in Tanzania, and this was definitely one of them. We ARE making a difference.
By supporting Inter Care, we will provide medical supplies free of charge for the most vulnerable patients across sub-Saharan Africa.
Claudia Coxon, Community and Events Fundraiser
Find out more
Read our Tanzania Blog that is includes in our 79th Newsletter edition
Read Bishop Patrick’s Diary of accounts on the Nottingham Diocese website
Find out more about the health units Inter Care support across sub-Saharan Africa