August 15, 2006

Elaine Schaff - Mission Trip to Zimbabwe

Elaine Schaff, a 20 year old Wright State University pre-Med student and St Marys area resident shared her experiences with the club about a recent missions trip to Zimbabwe, Africa.  Elaine traveled to the area with Rachel Gaerke, a student from the Columbus area for a 6 week stay earlier this year (June-July) during which time they assisted in patient care at the region's Baptist Hospital.

Their daily routines typically included 2-3 hours for rounds with the 2 resident doctors, surgeries and outpatient visits with walk-in patients.  She reported about the relatively primitive conditions in surgery facilities and intermittent power supplied during procedures. Significant health issues include a 40% AIDS rate in the general population and 80% rate for patients who seek services at the hospital.  With medication, there is a 8% chance of transmitting AIDS to a newborn whereas without meds, the rate increases to 25% but it is difficult to educate the general population about the importance of medication compliance.  The average lifespan is 34 and 35 for females and males respectively.

Although the area is listed on the travel advisory list due to political instability, their sponsors assured them that they would be relatively safe in the area if they followed reasonable precautions.  The sponsors are on a 2 year contract to the area through the International Missions Board and will be in the area for another 5 months or so.  She shared that their accommodations were very comfortable and they ate better than many of the natives who's diet consists primarily of corn meal, beans, fruit and water.  Most natives cook over open fires since few in the region have electric in their huts.

Climate was moderate given that the region was in the winter season during their visit.  Highs reached about 70 degrees during the daytime sunshine and cooled considerably at night.  They often needed to light a fire in the fireplace at night for warmth and light.

 Hosting Rotarian: Joni Leffel