Two days in the ART clinic

January 31, 1354

Hi all!

First off, I'm feeling much better than yesterday. Today, Esther and I spent our second day in the ART (antiretroviral) clinic.

On day one, we spent the entire shift taking vitals. You would not believe how many people frequent the clinic. In the Mongu area alone, they are responsible for seeing over 15,000 clients. And those are only the known, current HIV clients.

On day two, we sat in with the pediatric education counselor and learned more than we ever thought we'd know about HIV.

It's an interesting place. Though it needs its own building, it is housed in a series of small rooms at the hospital. The need for service has far outgrown the infrastructure and so they've had to build a 'shelter' in the back of the hospital for the HIV clients to sit under. Ten by ten, they are called in for vitals and for their records to be opened. Then, they visit a clinical officer who prescribes medications. Next, they visit the educator for adherence education. And finally, they go to the Bleeding Room to give blood and/or to the pharmacy to pick up medications.

The strain is visible everywhere. There are three record rooms and they are filled to the max with documents and files. And the staffing is similar. There are just three nurses and they are incredibly busy.

Overall, it has been an interesting place to spend time.

This weekend, we are heading to the Zambezi river for a cruise and another brye! Excitement!