115/80

It's not every day one hears the good news, "your blood pressure is fine - in the average range. For now no worries." 115/80 - numbers are favourable. I am relieved and overwhelmed at the same time. Imagine "daktari" being none other than Busuku Musli Wetende, former CES Grad (Makhukuni SS), and now clinical officer at Ingotse Medical Dispensary and Clinic.

Meeting Busuku at the Ingotse Dispensary

CES Canada has supported Busuku since the early days of secondary school, through to his training at Port Reitz Medical College in Mombassa. Upon graduation Busuku apprenticed at Kakamega General Hospital and most recently has been placed in charge of administration and medical procedures in the rural village of Ingotse.

I am overwhelmed that one of our own fine young men is engaged in a community health initiative near to where he grew up. I am delighted that Busuku is taking my blood pressure and that of the entire CES Kenya team. He is a product of CES, one who I am extremely proud of.

We see the hospital - 22 beds in all. There is another wing for hospice care and a third area for the delivery of newborns. Up to 50 patients each day of the week come for treatment and consultation. The clinic is open 24 hours per day to treat cases of malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhea, and Aids. The clinic has a medical research team of two nurses and a technologist to do blood work. Busuku is able to perform minor surgery, prescribe drugs and counsel people for hypertension, diabetes and other ailments.

Busuku Musli was so happy to see us and show us around the beautiful compound. He is always nearby as he has been given a home to live in right on the property. His main goal is to lead his team of health professionals and provide community health service to a large area covering 600 sq km.

CES Kenya Patron Malik Khaemba and CES Director Aziza Rajab

waiting nervously for their blood pressure numbers

CES sponsored students continue to shine. In time there will be many like Busuku who return to their community to give back and make a contribution to society. Among others, I recently saw Aziza Wafula, James Wasike and Metrine Mayende - all CES grads, now working in a local medical treatment facility. These are the results of sacrificial giving, small donations that have multiplied to something much grander.

115/80...I am content.

Asante sana.