Health care

My clinical experience took a fresh turn today.

Robert the new graduate from Kenyatta medical school arrived running me through my paces. It was good, despite the nurses experience there is no substitute for a medical education.

At least together now we can work most things out. I cover all the rare stuff like high blood pressure and he covers all the common things like malaria, and Entamoeba Histolytica (amoebiasis).

I diagnosed my first case of Typhoid today - thought I should gloat a little - funny thing was the patient wasn't perturbed by it. More or less stating that she was in a rush and could we give her the drugs so she could leave - SHE HAD TYPHOID!!!!! Anyone in Australia would be moaning and groaning, writing a will and calling all the family - my patient got up and left.

I did also have my heart broken today - 2 children came in - one the bother of a little 4 yr old girl. Her eyes so wide, her clothes so big and worn through, she stopped at the door shocked to see a white man. The tight woven rows she had in her hair told me that she was at least loved by someone at home. Brother (no older than 11) explained how she had a sore throat. More swahili questioning from Robert revealed mum was also sick a lot. I caught her stealing more enquiring glances at the white man - each time with a expression of profound wonder. She was small and at least 2kilos below a normal weight. Leaning over the examine her throat she tentiviely opened wide and I found the characteristic white plaques of candida. I prayed for her. I ask you to also. HIV will claim another life; snuff it out without the world even realising what has happened, but God will know. This will not pass un-noticed, He loves, cries and aches for each of His children.

Please pray tonight for those that will not have a full life, and pray that they may come to know our Lord Jesus Christ,

Tomorrow I go to a Kenyan wedding, any luck and I may find my self a wife............ MUM I am joking !!!

ian