Isegenhe Clinic

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of our sponsored walkers we raised enough money for the borehole project to go ahead. Our good friend Mr Lucky Mgeni, a water engineer, supervised the whole project. A hydrological survey identified a site for test drilling and this proved successful with a good flow rate found. Laboratory tests showed the water to be of good quality.

It has become apparent that the underground water table in the locality has been falling for a number of years, making the two existing shallow wells increasingly unreliable.

Early indications are that a deep borehole will be needed but its viability will need to be confirmed by a hydrological survey.

Our special project fundraising for 2020/2021 is to raise funds for a solution to Isegenhe's water problems.

The two shallow wells were refurbished by FUM in 2015 and 2016 and looked in good condition but both were dry for the first time in seven years. The clinic was still in good condition after being repainted by Cranbrook School students in 2015 and the ceiling repaired in 2016.

The head teacher at the primary school is interested in having a link with Bere Alston PS in Devon but communication is not easy.

As part of our 'Focus on Water' initiative FUM provided £1500 to have the second well upgraded.

Our good friend Mr Venance Gomegwa, the local Clerk of Works, acted very promptly, ordering materials and hiring a reliable builder with the result that the new well was fully functional before the arrival of the dry season.

The village and clinic now have a good supply of water and a borehole is not considered necessary.

The clinic is very busy and the staffing is the same as in 2013, a good sign.

The previously dilapidated and overgrown open well has been fully refurbished but the other well in the village is in need of attention. The ceiling above the clinic veranda is currently propped up and looks a little precarious !

Jo Taylor
FUM Medical Liaison Officer

The staff house has been rebuilt by the Tanzanian government after the previous one was destroyed by fire. There is a latrine and shower here, and a good gas powered fridge. The clinic serves a dispersed population of over 7000, with 20% under 5 years old. They have about 20 – 30 deliveries each month, with about 6 women found to be HIV positive.

The staff here are fully trained to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. They also provide a good HIV treatment, counselling and education service.

As well as the repainting of the clinic staff were thrilled to have solar powered lighting installed in the delivery room. They no longer have to make night time deliveries by candle light.

The equipment at the clinic was good, with 2 blood pressure monitors, lay-on weigh scales for babies but no hanging scales, and scales for adults, mattresses and mosquito nets were well used.

Jo Taylor
FUM Medical Liaison Officer