Matron goes home with her family

December 26, Matron went home with her family. The mother, Buumba is 17 years old and granny (younger than me by at least 10 years!) is the one really in charge. Buumba had surgery for a very large breast ulcer - and Matron has survived well on Cowbell formula and eats everything she sees - as her weight testifies. She is 11.4 kg at 9 months old! I fished a cockroach out of her mouth one day - she was not impressed with my rationing!

Family initially thought we'd keep Matron for 2 years - she was with us for 7weeks! Perhaps slowly the idea of temporary emergency care will catch on within Zambia. We are attempting to intevene at all system levels i.e. individual, family, community and government. Our job includes assessing family and community capacity to ensure that babies emotional, physical and spiritual needs are being met. We do our best to assess through visits to the family home, with other relatives, and the government system. This means weekly visits to the SW office and to the hospitals and clinics in the area.

Matron's "uncle"- is dentist, Ian who works at Namwianga Clinic and he will ensure that family continues to cope well. Matron and family are due back here January 15 for a follow-up assessment.

We were grateful to be part of Matron's life and....she made many friends here at Kasensa.

The family expressed much gratitude for being able to support them in their time of need. Thanks to the many donors who support Kasensa. Your work is good and is making a huge difference for these kids and their families!