Photo: Rapei grew up at Huruma Centre Children’s Home and received a BKB scholarship to attend Pommern Secondary School. He studied at Ilula Institute of Allied Health Sciences. Today, he is the clinical officer in charge at Lulanzi Dispensary.
Driving our trusty Land Cruiser in good weather, we can reach just about any part of the diocese in two to three hours. But without that vehicle, travel from rural villages into Iringa Town is challenging. In many cases, you need a motorbike to get to another place where a bus picks up passengers once a day.
Imagine needing urgent medical care, with those transport options. That’s why the rural dispensaries (clinics) owned and operated by the diocese are such an important part of delivering health services in this region. Currently the diocese has clinics at Idete, Tungamalenga, Pomerini, Lulanzi, Ihimbo, Image, Iringa University, and Ruaha Mbuyuni, each serving up to 300 patients per month. Two more facilities are being constructed at Idunda and Muhanga.
Even in those locations that have a dispensary, the challenges include shortages of skilled health professionals, inadequate diagnostic capacity, insufficient medical equipment, and inconsistent availability of medicines and medical supplies.
Earlier this week, BKB convened a Zoom conversation to address the needs of these rural dispensaries. Dr. Petro Lusasi, Diocesan Health Secretary, outlined the situation. “Many ELCT-Iringa Diocese dispensaries lack essential diagnostic equipment, laboratory analyzers, maternal and child health equipment, hospital beds, emergency care equipment, and basic medical supplies required for quality healthcare delivery.”
Representatives from Shoulder to Shoulder (BKB affiliate supporting Ilula Hospital) and Global Health Ministries were on the call to share their expertise and offer support. Congregational representatives from St. Paul area churches connected to the rural dispensaries were on the call as well.
Dr. Lusasi noted that providing equitable healthcare services at the community level will improve early disease detection, decrease maternal and child mortality, and strengthen overall community health.
Our Saint Paul Area Synod congregations are called to walk alongside our Iringa Diocese companions. What are some ways we can do this, supporting rural healthcare?
- Contributions providing medications and equipment go a long way to support rural healthcare and the sustainability of the facility
- Travelers can carry and deliver suitcases of supplies from Global Health Ministry
- Travel groups that include healthcare professionals are warmly welcome to visit the clinics; please contact BKB for a list of ‘best practices’ for visiting healthcare workers
- Gifts that build capacity are so welcome – the BKB Post Secondary Scholarship Fund annually grants awards to diocese institution employees for continuing education
With thanks for all the ways we can work with our companions to provide good health,
Tupo Pamoja,
Kirsten Levorson
Director of Bega Kwa Bega
