We are on a real tight schedule as far the building work is concerned. Today I was panicking a little so I transferred all the men off the Nurses Training School site on to the Seminar Centre and Sweden House projects. All the employed local builders were in at 6.30am to start and finished at 17.oo. The main problem has been the plumbing. It has been action stations to get the two projects finished by Sunday morning latest, which is when the new nurses (Sweden House) and the participants (Seminar Centre) arrive.

So as much as I think its important men learn about Breastfeeding, today when I took my place as Guest of Honour at the final ceremony of Breastfeeding Week, I looked out into the gathered crowd of around 200 people on saw only a handful of men - AMONG THEM THE HOSPITAL's TWO PLUMBERS!!!! What part of "we're on a really tight schedule"; "all hand to the pumps"; "we need to get a real move on"; work hard for the next two days and I'll give you a little bonus at the end of week"; It's really important it's finished by Sunday morning absolute latest"" do you not understand. So my introductory remarks went something like this;

"It's a great joy to see everyone gathered here this morning, except my two plumbers who should report back to work at the Seminar Centre immediately!"

Having said that breastfeeding is a serious issue here, given the malnutrition of children and the HIV/AIDS status of many of the women. It was estimated that malnourished children in our catchment area total up to 15% and this worsens from Nov-March depending on the rains. But Chikankata has distributed tins of milk and protein supplements to the community on regular basis.

Another outdoor ceremony - another red nose! So I have a big Harry Redknapper today from sitting in the gathering.