Mission Malawi: Tuesday night dinner, then Ntchisi Prison

Tuesday we had dinner with Ione Podgore at her home at Daeyang Luke. We were joined by Dr. Sue Makin and Kathi Nunnley and her daughter - Kathi is helping at Ione's project by arranging sponsorship, etc of the secondary school girls, but she also works with 2 villages in Salima District. I am hoping we can do a clinic there, if not this year then next year.

Wednesday morning we left early for Ntchisi but were caught in the morning rush in area 25. We finally arrived at Ntchisi Prison and were set up close to 10 AM. The clinic was on a konde (porch), which included my space and that of the newly minted MD from the UK, Claire; the wound care area with Nancy McGlawn; malaria testing station (Tanya) and pharmacy (Joey Swartz and Tanya when not testing). Not sure how many but thinking about 70-80 folks, not counting the number that received only wound / skin care. We had to be finished by 1 PM as Charles Msukwa had to be back in Lilongwe to to defend his thesis (which he did and passed! as if any of us doubted he would!). Ntchisi is a small prison, with only about 350 prisoners, all men. There was an abundance of skin issues, general body pain, stomach issues, and poor nutrition. They apparently get one meal a day consisting of nsima (made from white maize). I saw a bad case of pellagra, and several less severe cases, coupled with malnutrition. We gave out lots of niacin and vitamins, along with some 'super B complex' vitamins. A huge thank you to those who donated some of these supplements (many of which we cannot get here). There were also several people who claimed to have 'asthma'. This time of year there is much smoke from fires and the land is dry enough to create red dust everywhere. The nights are cool (especially up there). All this combined to make people feel breathless / 'asthmatic'. There were also many prisoners who were HIV positive, but all the ones we saw, with the exception of one who did not have his 'book' (medical record) were receiving their ARV.

We were glad it went so well, and I am continually impressed by the people I am surrounded by who love and serve the Malawians, even 'the least of these'. Enjoy the photos.

Before we started the clinic, there was a little presentation, with a prayer by Charles. In the photo are Nancy McGlawn, Annualita Metope, Joey Swartz,Clair, Tanya and me with some of the guards.