It is astounding to realize how far people walk to seek care at the Village Health Works clinic here in Kigutu. Patients include all ages; pregnant women; mothers with babies; children and some very sick who require being carried on a makeshift stretcher. Many walk for four hours each way (some more) and it is not easy walking in these steep hills. “Addresses” are identified as “hill, zone and commune” which could be compared to small neighborhood, village and larger community.
HIV, TB, malaria, sexually transmitted infections, gastric pain and malnutrition seem to be the predominant presenting clinical problems. About 80 people are signed in daily and while they wait they get health promotion talks from the staff. One of whom is Frederick who was at death’s door due to HIV, but was treated diligently by Dr. Melino and the staff. When Frederick returned to his village healthy, people could not believe he was alive and thought he was a ghost. Now he is a vital link between the community and VHW as he tells his story to patients and encourages them to get tested for HIV.
Some older women who come have back and neck pain and when asked how much water they carry, the reply is usually, “Twenty liters only…twice per day.” They aren’t complaining, only stating the facts of their daily life. It is very humbling. They are just grateful to be here and know that they will receive services and attention.
On Saturday I have a plan to walk with Tolstoy up into the hills. This will be a multi-purpose excursion. It will be a good chance to get to know Tolstoy more; a Kirundi language lesson; an opportunity to experience the trek that the patients take to get here and back; survey some local communities and get exercise! My Kirundi skills are pathetic to date, with hopes to improve. Today I brought out a Richard Scarry’s book, ‘Best Word Book Ever’ and the staff are putting Kirundi words under the English words. This might be a good strategy for me and it will also help them learn English.
Three times a week two of our staff, Peter ‘IT’ and Mandela lead a troupe of dancers and drummers next door at the primary school. It is a very festive and remarkable to watch their performance. Many of the young boys in the community are regular participants. They leap and pound for about two hours… an amazing display of endurance and fitness, especially as they carry the drums on their heads and pound on the drums simultaneously in an opening and closing procession. When three year olds get up from the audience and dance too, it’s utterly adorable. They can’t drum as they aren’t tall enough, but they definitely have the moves down!
Since we are almost at the Equator here, dawn and dusk are rather fleeting. The nights are mild and the days are the perfect temperature. The rains have yet to arrive. The moon is waxing at the moment and it’s good to imagine everyone ‘at home(s)’ also watching its progress. Despite being so far away, it is something we can all share no matter where we are.
Helen
Mandela and Peter IT drumming
Children drumming
Frederick
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