Acio is a striking woman and a remarkable nurse. She works
full time at the Health Center IV in Abeltong, one hour outside Lira. Then once a week she travels 6 hours to
Kampala to attend her bachelors conversion program and then come back and start
all over again.
She toured us through the health center’s multiple wards where
we got to meet many lovely and brave people. People here come for any number of
serious illnesses like TB, malaria, AIDS-related diseases, intestinal parasites
and so on. The maternity ward had
approximately 10 women in active labor with two in the delivery room. There are
so few nurses that the women depend of their attendants (family members) to aid
them. We believe that the women come
here in case of an emergency because most have to go it almost alone. The
nurses here are spread too thin to offer the kind of attention and care many of
us are used to and blessed to receive.
Acio showed great knowledge and warmth. She introduced us to all the patients, both
large and small, both young and old. She
touched and talked softly to each and every one of them. It was an honor for us to meet them and shake
hands. They were all so gracious and would light up at the simplest gesture of
kindness. It was indescribably moving
and I’m brought to tears as I write this.
Acio was in charge of admissions and the line when we arrive
was probably 20 families deep. It grew and grew and we knew that we needed to
go and let Acio get to work. She sees on
average 100 people a day! That is the
embodiment of human impact. Here she
will meet with each that comes in, do an initial exam, order lab tests, and
determine what additional care will be needed.
Many will fill up the beds in the wards.
She was so very proud to have us there.
Her big boss, the District Health Officer even came to give his regards
and thank us for supporting his treasured nurse.
It was a proud day for us. This is a rare moment for us when
we get the see our scholars at work. Keep
us the great work Acio. (MS)
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