After 2 days in Dar es Salaam having some training I headed
to Mtwara in Southern Tanzania. I was to look at 2 Maternity units and 2
Nursing and Midwifery schools and do a Gap Analysis of what skills are needing
developing.
I was met by my Rafiki nimpia ( new friend) Tecla.
She is
principal of one of the schools. What a humble beautiful lady. We then set off
in the Ministry of Health car along the bumpy roads to Newala.
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| A donated ambulance actually being used for the purpose for which it was intended! Encouraging. |
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| Beautiful hospital veranda |
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| Filling in the Gap Analysis |
Newala is based on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the
river ,so one can peer into Mozambique. It is green and
lush and beautiful.
I was so warmly welcomed at the Nursing School in Newala. We
then strolled over to the Hospital which is just next door. There is a lovely
relationship between the school and hospital.
Everyone seemed so focused on my visit, that bless the poor
lady who was in labour delivered her baby by herself despite there being 15
students and midwives within 3 meters of her. Was trying to emphasize patient
care always comes first, even if you have a visitor!
We then overnighted in Masasi. The country side is so
beautiful. I was amazed at all the bicycles on the road. And so many women
riding them. Also what was being carried on the back was quite entertaining. At
times it looked like a whole shop was on the back.
There were so many schools along the road. More so than what
I have seen in South Africa in the rural areas. Education exposure, something
it looks like they are doing quite well down here in the South.
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| Teaching staff at Nchingwea Nursing and Midwifery School |
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| All the Male Midwifery Students |
I think the thing that really rattled me on this trip was
seeing the conditions under which the students need to study and live. They are
all crammed into dormitories, lack of funds see them staying at the school for
their holidays. I felt overwhelmed with compassion for them, and how despite
the hardships they persevere. When I think about my student days, the total privilege
of small classes, great resources and not to mention friends, parties and good
times!
I felt embarrassed about how I have demanded a higher
standard of care from the Midwives I work with and now I see where they come
from I am humbled by how they have overcome to all be where they are now!
So I return to Arusha with a deeper sense of the challenges
to Maternity Care in Tanzania. But also excited about relationships that have
been established and the many opportunities we have for the future.
I realised while visiting these hospitals, the love I have
for the rural African hospital. Large verandas, covered walk ways, open doors
everywhere, patients and family lounging on the grass, no hurry anywhere. Much
of it is a sight that makes my heart so glad! Despite the challenges I think a
lot more healing can come from an environment like this than the type of
hospitals many of us will find ourselves in.
