Election Day

Friday 18^th February

I’m struggling in a major war with mosquitos at present! After 2 very disturbed nights because of mosquitos inside the net I decided last night to try chemical warfare and use the electric device which gives of a toxin to mosquitos. Result absolute failure!! 3 inside the net last night and only managed to get one of them although that was very satisfying!

Election Day is here with something of a carnival atmosphere locally Turnout will be high in what is said to be a tight fight between the NRM (National Resistance Movement) and the PPP which the peoples progressive democratic party (I think!) Everyone is keen and proud to vote some even dressing up for the occasion to receive the mark on their left thumb nail to indicate they have voted.

On the wards its quiet which is just as well as there is only Rachel and I covering medicine and paediatrics and Job and Edward covering maternity and surgery. One boy of 14 turned up with Nephrotic Syndrome which he has had for 4-5 years. This causes swelling of the face and abdomen due the kidneys leaking large quantities of protein into the urine. The underlying cause can’t usually be determined and no one seems to have been able to discover a reason in his case May be tricky to treat with no steroids available.