Mosquito nets and medicines

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Shepherd of the Valley travelers carry gifts when we visit, and we also carry funds to purchase gifts in country.  Some of the most valuable gifts we bring to our partners are gifts that bring health -- mosquito nets that guard against malaria, and medicines to supply the dispensary.



Purchasing medicines and mosquito nets involves a visit to our favorite pharmacy, Acacia Pharmacy. This year, we also visited another store to order the mosquito nets.  The purchase also involves counting cash. Tanzania is primarily a cash economy.  $1600 in US dollars becomes a large wad of Tanzanian Shillings. The largest denomination of Tanzanian currency is the 10,000 Shilling note, worth about $6.25 USD this year.


We purchased about 320 mosquito nets.


To purchase medicines for the dispensary, we first give Dr. Barnabas and Dr. Saga (from the diocese) our budget.  This year, contributions allowed us to spend $2000 on medicines. 

The doctors prepare a list of needed medicines and quantities, and the pharmacy collects and starts to calculate our bill.


When Shepherd of the Valley travelers arrive, it's time to take inventory and verify the items purchased and packed.




As we verify the quantities of items, Acacia Pharmacy staff pack the medicines.



Once we have verified that all the items we have purchased are packed, we start to load the vehicle.



$2000 worth of medicines more than fills the Land Cruiser.  The mosquito nets will be sent to Tungamalenga via another truck.


Mosquito nets that were delivered to the Tungamalenga Camp where we stay are then transported to the dispensary.  Those things are heavy!!


Clinic staff unpacks the medicines and re-checks the inventory list.


Pharmacy shelves are stocked.


Staff at the Tungamalenga Dispensary will distribute the mosquito nets and medicines throughout the coming year.  


Dr. Barnabas Kahwage provides care for body and soul at the Tungamalenga Dispensary.

Thank you, Shepherd of the Valley members, for the gifts you give to support quality care at the Tungamalenga Dispensary!

**To see more photos of the recipients of mosquito nets, please stop by the bulletin board in the hallway next to the nursery at church.

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