helen weld public health

Big week in Kigutu. . .

The past week here in Kigutu has been action packed. The long awaited day for the official opening of the Community Centre was on April 9th. A predawn downpour freshened up the VHW campus and all the hard work done by the landscaping crew and the community women over the past few weeks was pristine. Everything looked vibrant and lovely under the blue skies.

The Kigutu drummers led by Peter and Mandela were spectacular and offset by Claudine’s girls’ singing group. They provided a wonderful backdrop as the VIP guests from Bujumbura arrived. Then per Burundian tradition the community members (perhaps 200) gathered and filed into the driveway and to the Centre in a grand procession singing, dancing and carrying large loads of food and drink wrapped in banana leaves on their heads. It was a sight to behold and certainly very special to feel the energy and excitement.

The morning continued with speeches, more performances and drumming. The youngest drummers (absolutely adorable) who can barely reach the top of the drum, drew much applause. In the cool afternoon breezes and under the shady trees people relaxed on the lawns and soaked up the goodness of all their efforts. Many gathered to watch photos and videos of VHW in the evening to top off the big day.

This week VHW also received a delivery of rice, soya flour and oil from the World Food Programme which will assist with the malnutrition program. Another delivery for the HIV patients will be arriving soon. All these “macro” events are strengthening VHW’s impact considerably.

VHW had a landmark day yesterday when a new state of the art portable CD4 machine was delivered by Felicia Price and her entourage from the Clinton Foundation. Accurate monitoring of CD4+ T lymphocyte levels in HIV-infected individuals is a critical element for the use of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) as it guides physicians in determining when to begin drug treatment and is a key measure of the effectiveness of that therapy. Staff members were trained in how to use the machine and we are all thrilled to be on the cutting edge of HIV care here in Burundi.

In the midst of all these grand events for the program, I have been touched by the “micro” events too:

Receiving the very special present of 5 eggs from a patient who had walked far for a rendezvous appointment.


Witnessing previously severely malnourished children be discharged with strength and vigor after 10-14 days of treatment. It’s like watching a slumped over plant receive water and fertilizer, stand straight and begin to grow and flourish. The children literally come to life and become engaged individuals.


Watching another amazing sunset from the water tower with Hilarie.

Giving and receiving a daily hug from Anne, our wise and wonderful head janitor.

Teaching people how to stand on a scale for the first time.

Teaching people how to open a door with a door knob.

These experiences give me profound satisfaction and fulfillment. I will miss Kigutu and hold all these memories closely. Departing next week will certainly be a bittersweet time.

Helen

Community Center on Opening Day

VHW on April 9

Women arriving at Center

Little Drummer Boy

Brad, Gerard, Cory, Celestine
Helen, Will, Elvis on April 9

Peter and Mandela resting

Community women after opening

Claudine's singers

Accompagnateur Daphrose and Helen

Melino drumming at opening

Bazile getting set to perform

CD4 machine arrives in Kigutu

CD4 Training

Will and crew move WFP food

Gift of eggs

Heading home

Hilarie and Helen

Sunset April 14

Alex departs

Helen and Anne

Scale with well worn feet

Eyelash envy