One step at a time but without wasting time

Thanks to the availability of at least part of the necessary resources, it was decided to expeditiously start the works for the construction in Iringa, Tanzania, of the analysis laboratory of the new Francesco Cagliero Health Center as the African congregation of the Teresina Sisters wanted to call it, recalling its founder.

The protection of health is the substance of human development, in every moment of people's lives. Especially when it is made available to those who need it most; both in terms of treatments, and of being able to grow in awareness of what can be done in terms of hygiene, health, women's health, prevention.
Always considering that most of the pathologies that most frequently risk causing death are completely treatable.

What was created was a new dedicated structure, very functional and clearly calibrated on what the service of the entire Health Center will be, once completed, with a catchment area of at least 15 thousand. One floor above ground, with a total built area of about 120 square meters. In addition to the covered spaces for waiting and passage of users, and four toilets, the spaces are divided into four main rooms: sample collection, analysis, laboratory materials warehouse, administrative office. The eutectic refrigerator for vaccines will also be installed in the warehouse, the administration of which the Poliambulatorio will take care of.

The diagnostic microbiology equipment that you purchase will allow for a broad range of hematological tests in particular. The use by laboratory technicians of two new microscopes will make it possible to carry out analyzes by means of bacterial counts to identify the type and level of any charges, to allow the delivery of an effective therapy.

Only some tests - mainly those of malaria - can instead be carried out using rapid test "kits". Once again the commitment is considerable, despite the extreme attention to the use of resources.
At this moment the laying of the foundations has already been completed. If there is no shortage of residual resources, the goal is to complete construction and equipping within a few months.

This will be a decisive step.
Even if much more work is needed to complete the Health Center with surgery, maternity, hospitalization wards, on the 4,000 square meters of land purchased, as soon as available the laboratory will start the service for "outpatients", together with the Outpatient Clinic and the pharmacy, stably self-sustaining thanks in particular to the accurate and free service of doctors, nurses, pharmacists... certainly no less fundamental than premises and equipment. Along with their proven experience in the healthcare facilities they already manage.

A new reliable point of reference for the people.
A strong step forward, to open another path, to change the destiny of the poor.

Mauro Palombo
NP May 2023