Lusaka, Zambia - Summer 2005, Journal 1
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Children have ulcerated rashes of the torso and Kaposi's sarcoma of the legs/back. 2-3 cm fungal growths and abscesses of the scalp aren't picked up until a concealing hat is accidentally tipped off. Hold in mind, the daycare teacher is paid 10 dollars per month, a miserable wage even in Zambia (cooks make even less). Our exams concentrated mostly on HIV/Tb. Unlike the states, we didn't bother asking about their family lives. Social History = orphan, most likely physically or mentally or sexually abused…or all of the above. Traditional Healers and local superstitions instruct that sexual intercourse with a young baby or virgin (usually 6 or 7 years old) is an adequate cure for AIDS. In fact, the practice is so prevalent, a massive billboard and TV campaign have been launched to combat such practices. The slogans have even found their way into product advertisements. "You won't cure AIDS by having sex with a baby. Nor would you shingle your roof with anything but Harvey Tiles!" Tragically, not all of these children are HIV positive from labor or breast milk.
With such a lack of basic healthcare, it turns out that Jackie and I have found a tremendous opportunity to assist. We take the bus into the city every morning, and then trudge through the trash-piled streets of the Kamwala compound to arrive at the hospice. We read charts on the 10-15 patients who reside in the hospice on any given day. We then meet with each patient and take careful notes.
All the while, dividing our time between hospice duties and the needs of the neighboring daycare (we never miss recess). Dr. Meade arrives in the early evening to round with us. He reviews our exams, findings and recommendations. He either agrees or disagrees; we alter charts, and follow up the next day. The nurses and Zambian students are quite happy with our presence and help. We've now acquired a University student to help with the translating, as this patriarchal society rarely affords women the opportunity to learn adequate English. Until Luunga arrived, English-speaking patients received care while others simply reached for help…only to be offered a compassionate, but hardly helpful, touch. Allocation of resources has become a bitter reality.
Joseph Simonetti, Med 2 (Class of 2008)
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