Giant football to promote our hospital

This giant football made out of metal with a diameter of 3.3 m and a weight of 270 kg was created and sponsored by the Swiss company B. Lüchinger from Oberriet. Mario Lüchinger, director of the company presented it to Stephan Holderegger, who had the idea of the Rhein-Valley Hospital in Kenya. The football is meant to be signed by various football teams and aucioned off to bring some financial support for the hospital. It also shows that our hospital is still very popular among the people of the "Rheintal" in Switerland. Let's hope for a giant auction result!

Turtle Visit announces Rain

rs. When turtles appear it is a sign of rain. Indeed it rains since yesterday and the temperatures came down from 35 °C to 20° C. Again many patients came to our place for medical help. Today we also discussed the working plan for the coming weeks. As we discussed outside, suddenly we heard children screaming and we found a turtle on our ground. Some Kenyans even fear this animal...

In spite of holiday a busy day

rs. In spite of the holiday in honour of Obama's victory, there were many patients today in our hospital. The waiting room was full of people and we also had our babies' day (control and vaccination). Many patients suffered of stomach upsets and fever. Because of the many weather changes, we have more malaria cases. Our lab assistant Caroline made the necessary tests and even helped in other departments. Fortunately we have a good team work and everybody helps each other.

Celebrating President-Elect Obama!

rs. Today it was a great day for Kenyans. Already yesterday the Luo assembled in Kisumu and awaited the result of the American election. Some people placed some boxes with the names of the canditates and did some kind of fun voting. Feast tents were established and as the result was announced the Kenyans celebrated Obama as if he was their president. All over the country everybody was delighted and even President Kibaki announced that Thursday will be a nationaal holiday to celebrate President-elect Obama. Some Kenyans even said that slavery is now past and they started to feel as normal people. Also in and around our hospital there was a little celebration.

Vegetables and fruits are essential

rs. Our gardeners brought the vegetables for lunch. It is very important that the Kenyans understand that they cannot only live on Ugali, they need the vitamins in vegetables and fruits. Otherways our doctors have to give them vitamin pills when they grow older. Only the hotels and some reach people regularly eat vegetables and fruits. So it is one of our duties to inform, educate and inspire our refugees and patients how to eat healthy.

Change of weather brings more patients

rs. With the change of weather we have an increasing number of patients, especially children and elderly people. After the quiet weekend doctor Wanjara and his crew had a busy day. Even our assistants had to help and look after the children, while their mothers were being medically checked inside.

Positive Pregnancy Test

Early Saturday morning it was already very warm; the temperature went up to 35 °C! On the hospital meadow a young couple was waiting for their pregnancy test and as doctor Wanjara told them it was positive, they were delighted. - Mama Matata