Farzin, Graham and Tolou, our tutor midwife, recently visited the Shamsi Lwimba Hospital. On our arrival in Lusaka after the overnight flight from London (UK), we set off immediately on the two hour journey to visit the hospital. On our arrival, we were presented with a five month old baby who had not eaten or drunk for two days. The baby was not moving or crying. The parents and aunt appeared resigned. There was no transport from here to the district hosital 30 kilometres away on the dirt road, and no medical staff to treat the baby. On examination, the baby had pneumonia, fever and severe dehydration. Farzin, a consultant anaesthetist in the UK, found a vein and inserted an IV line. Intravenus fluids and antibiotics were given and the fluid bag was suspended from a line between two windows. The fluid, antibiotic and giving set had been donated by a hospital in Chelmsford, Essex. Two hours later the baby was suckling the mother's breast and the family were showing their relief and gratitude. It is often said that life is cheap in Africa, but to this family, this baby's life was obviously very precious. Two days later the baby had almost fully recovered.

The picture shows the first president of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and the project members. Dr. Kaunda agreed to support the project and act as a referee.