Today we were all invited to a press conference to announce the involvement of St Andrews with Sport In Action, as well as announcing that Mel Marshall as their Sports Ambassador. Various journalists were there- including the Times and the Post, alongside TV news crews. Amongst guests of honor was the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Sport, the President of the Sports Association and a member from the Ministry of Education. The proceedings were quite formal, with speeches from the top table - including me - followed by questions from the press and guests, leading to discussions into the politics of sports in Zambia.
Later in the afternoon we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit a hospice - Our Lady's in Kalingalinga. The hospice is for victims of AIDS, catering for both inpatients and outpatients. When we arrived we were all struck by the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings - the buildings were like clinics in the UK and ahve all beeen sponsored by different countries such as Denmark and Ireland. The hospice has 5000 registered patients and 30 beds for inpatients. As there is currently a nurse's strike the hospice is full with patients from the main hospitals in Lusaka.
We were shown round a as a small group by an inspiring nurse who had worked thetre for over 20 years and invited us to be shown around the wards and meet the patients and their carers (usually whom are family). It was a very moving experience to meet the patients - some of which are terminally ill, in particular a 16 year old boy suffering from meningitis, TB and a severe chest infection. The doctors gave him only days to live. We were made to feel very welcome by all staff, patients and carers. This was a surprisingly positive experience as patients were treated with compassion in dignified surroundings. The sad thing is that this is one of only four hospices in Lusaka and their funding is in jeopardy. At the moment medication such as ARV's, anti-biotics to outpatients is free- but this may have to change.
The visit really did hit home the reality of people living and dying with AIDS here in Zambia.
Ailsa
