Running around

Now that our little immigration ‘hiccup’ is over, things are moving along relatively smoothly. I’ve been spending my time learning about healthcare in Singida. It’s pretty amazing that anyone is actually alive here. In the area we are working in, there is the health center run by the district, which provides in- and out-patient services, as well as minor surgeries. Singida District has over 120,000 people; however there is no doctor at the health center and only one “Assistant Medical Officer” which is somewhat akin to a nurse practitioner. Also, they only have 35% of the health workers they need, and only have enough money in the budget to pay salaries. There is no ambulance, and there is a constant shortage of drugs and medical supplies. If we get sick here, we’re heading to see the Norwegians in Haydom (where there’s a slightly smaller shortage of drugs and supplies)!

In our spare time, Ryan and I have both started running again. We’ve found a relatively deserted path along Singidani, the lake Singida sits on. Running is not something Tanzanians do; in a calorie-deficient environment, expending extra energy is a pretty foreign idea. Since Ryan is a faster runner than me, people usually think I’m chasing him, and I’m constantly told, “He went that way!”. “He’s ahead, up the hill.” Gee, thanks.

-Betsy