Visiting a remote place

Early last month, i (Daniel) visited Lumbala Nguimbo in the far eastern side of Angola, near Zambia. The church re-opened a medical clinic there, posting this lovely couple, pictured below, for two year service. It took 3 days by truck for others who helped open the clinic to arrive; i flew by plane with the couple and others in 3 hours. Neither of them are from the area originally; so we desire they will be encouraged in this new, isolated and challenging place of work. For instance, the nearest hospital with surgical services is in Huambo, about 2 days car ride away. 

Kochi and Flora, with their youngest son, Ululi. They were relocated in October to Lumbala Nguimbo. Kochi is a lab technician and Flora is a nurse. They will be responsible for diagnosis and treatment at the clinic, forming the core of the staff there. 

Highlighting the challenges facing people in the Lumbala Nguimbo area, this little boy had sudden onset stridor (difficulty breathing) about a month before we saw him in the clinic. He had been admitted to the local government hospital for treatment for "asthma," but by physical exam we suspect his problem is an upper airway obstruction (perhaps a coin or other object). However, no x-ray in the immediate area (and an ultrasound probe was too big to easily identify anything in his neck/upper chest), no likely laryngoscope or bronchoscope that could help for intervention for two days journey explains well the frustration of both the medical staff and the reluctance of the family to leave even when offered transport by truck.

Ladies and their family members from Lumbala Nguimbo who were taking the return flight to Kalukembe for fistula care. In a country of more than 25 million and high rates of birth complications, caring for women with vesicovaginal fistulas is a service with profound impact. Kalukembe is one of only two hospitals in Angola with care for fistulas offered yearlong.

Lumbala Nguimbo IESA medical clinic, foreground, with lab to picture left