A Visit to Iringa and all things Ilula

Another remarkable day.  Really.  We began the day with Anna's remarkable Mendazi (sp!) which are essentially fried donuts and so delicious.  Morning report was quite interactive between the Muzungu and Tanzanians- we discussed several patients including a patient that was quite rare for Ilula- a smoker.    Fortunately, most Tanzanians do not smoke- so refreshing.
The Pharmacy students settled into the CTC for HIV management as did I.  Dorine is the new Pharmacy Technician for the CTC and reports that Ilula has more than 4.000 HIV patients.  In followup for the supply source of the anti-retrovirals, they come from Global Health.  The best I can tell is that Global Health is a consortium of sorts for countries in need.  Frank Sanga reports that this group supports multiple programs including reproductive health, malaria and HIV.  Frank provided us with a wonderful tour and overview of his scope today including his narcotic process.  Shockingly, in order to procure oral morphine, he personally has to drive to Dar Es Salaam twice a year to purchase; this is an in-person process only, no other methodology is allowed.
Personal bucket list item for me today that I briefed the students about:  had a dress made!  My dear rafiki Rita helped me find a great tailor and I had a blouse and skirt made in Tanzania style by the pastors wife who is also a tailor.  The pastors wife is pregnant and Margaret helped me make a knit cap for the new baby as an additional gift.  So fun!
Spent the afternoon in Iringa and had a lovely meal at Mama Iringa- delicious lasagna and pizza and lots of fun.  Everyone had a chance to visit a few fun places in addition to Mama Iringa :  Mesai Village and Neema Crafts.
Love Iringa.  Love Tanzania.  Love the students and our wonderful group of learners and cultural experimenters!