Baines’ River Camp
Project
The Chiawa Rural Medical Centre looks after the wellbeing of the local community in the Western Chiawa Game Management Area. This area spreads out over more than 2,000 square kilometres, and its residents have limited to no access to electricity, running water or sewage. Public transport is unavailable. At the clinic, conditions are diagnosed and patients are either treated or referred to the missionary hospital in Chirundu. HIV/AIDS information is offered, chronic medication is dispensed and sometimes babies are delivered. The clinic leads the Safe Motherhood Action Group and provides education on family planning. The clinic keeps stats of everything and anything important in terms of social facilities and medical matters within the community, from the number of pit latrines in each village to birth rates and graphs of the most common diseases in the area. For those who simply cannot get to the clinic, the Doc gets on his motorbike for house calls up to the far reaches of the Game management area.
Needs
General Medical:
Ace Bandages, Alcohol Swabs/Wipes, Band-Aids, Gauze, Needles, Pen-Torches/Flashlights, Sanitary Napkins, Thermometers (Digital), and Urine Dipsticks
Surgical:
Dressings, Surgical Gloves, and Swabs
Syringes:
10 ml Syringes
Testing Kits:
*Malaria Testing Kits (‘RDTs’ – Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits with Reagent)
Medications:
Antibiotics, *Anti-Diarrhea Medication, Antihistamine, Burn Cream, *Co-Amoxiclav (Augmentin), Eye Drops, First Aid Spray, Folic Acid, Hydrocortisone Cream, Ibuprofen, *Malaria Treatment (Coartem), Oral Rehydration Salts, Paracetamol, and Zinc Tablets
Specifically for Children:
Baby Blankets, Baby Oil, Baby Powder, Baby Soap, Cloth Diapers and Clips, Infant Formula Milk (Seal intact), and *Newborn Clothes
Hesperian Health Guides:
Health Actions for Women (Only Available in English) and HIV Health and Your Community (Only Available in English)
Linens:
Bed Linens, Pillows, Towels, and *Mosquito Nets
Office Supplies:
Markers, Pencils, and Pens
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
