In 2010, a new Health Centre opened in Gitega through the work of Emerge Poverty Free and support from St Mary's Church. Before this time, Gitega, a deprived, rural area lacked any major health services despite having a high rate of HIV/AIDS and severe malnutrition. The nearest other health centre was a government hospital miles away that charged for its services.
Malnutrition is a big problem for children in this area (in fact in Burundi over half of the population struggles to find enough to eat - 3 out of every 5 children are severely malnourished). At the Health Centre, the Nutrition Project deals with the immediate needs of families and their children through nutrition–enriched food, vaccines and expert medical advice. Then, longer term plans are put in place to address their future needs.
Whilst in Gitega, Peter J, Helen and Melody will be focussing their time in the Health Centre. Peter will be running training sessions, Helen, a Nurse, will be working alongside the medical professionals, offering advice and support and Melody (a prospective medical student) will be assisting in the Centre.
For more information about the Health Centre and how to donate to its work, please visit the Emerge Poverty Free website:
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