St Andrews Clinics for Children Christmas Newsletter
Many of our clients and friends have joined us in supporting St Andrew's Clinics work amongst the children of Africa so I thought you would like to see the latest newsletter. So often we think of university spin outs as being high tech companies but this is also a "spinout " from Glasgow University and more than 20 years later is going from strength to strength providing more than 100,000 treatments a year - a real success story - you can read more about it below:
Newsletter – Christmas 2015
“To risk a huge generalization: amid our wasteful wealth and time-pressed lives
we have lost human values that still abound in Africa.” Richard Dowden (2009)
Africa: altered states, ordinary miracles London: Portobello Books Ltd
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The teams where STACC supports health care send you heartfelt thanks for the interest and generosity that has ensured health care for children from poor families during the last year. Below are brief summaries of some of the benefits for children that you have made possible.
Sierra Leone (STACC/SL) is involved in the national IYCF programme (infant and young child feeding). About 2000 visits per month have been made by children (aged <60 months of age) attending 20 PHUs (Public Health Units). Mothers are encouraged to breast feed for at least 24 months and to learn to prepare and offer nutritious food as part of weaning and beyond. The service continued despite the national upheaval due to the Ebola crisis in the country. STACC /SL has been invited to help train community volunteers for the national IYCF programme in 113 PHUs.
Nigeria (STACCILEIFE) planned to provide 16 mobile clinics per month amounting to 192 clinics during the year. In practice, 185 of the 192 clinics were held and 7549 children most of whom were <60 months were treated. 2976 of these children received free treatment for malaria at a cost equivalent to £3.10. The cheapest alternative in the region would be at a cost to the family of £6.30 - a charge that many cannot afford.
Ugandawhere the Children’s Ward at St Kizito Hospital, with its 112 beds and > 6000 admissions annually, is supported by STACC. STACC is currently covering a third of the costs of running the Ward. In addition STACC sent £10,000 to pay for the installation of an oxygen supply to the ward and a further £5,417 as a contribution of 42% of the cost of a new autoclave for the operating theatre. This sum covers the proportion of operations involving children and births by caesarean section. The First Lady of Uganda visited St Kizito to lend support to the care offered by the hospital. She is reported by the press to have said that St Kizito does a lot more than many other facilities in the country.
Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania is a Ministry of Health and Social Welfare unit supported by STACC and the Ivo de Carneri Foundation (IdCF Milan). During the year the clinic at Gombani treated 11,120 children and a further 5,688 through its outreach service. Common health problems that are effectively treated include skin diseases and upper respiratory tract infections. The clinic now has a functioning ultrasound scanner provided through collaboration between STACC and IdCF.
Kenya (BION project) Following the death of Sharon Looremetta, the new BION project (in Maasai BION is an acronym for “health for mothers and children”) has been registered with the government and its bank account for receipt of funds has been activated and tested. A work plan based largely on health education has been prepared and will run until the end of the year when the Board will learn if the new BION is being successful. Much will depend on Seleina Limnion who worked closely with Sharon.
Ghana (StACC GHANA) has decided that prevention and control of schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) in Bongo District should be its top priority. In addition to offering treatment and supporting the community to reduce vegetation in irrigation channels where vector snails thrive, an effort is being made to promote health education in local schools. One innovation involves the distribution of “Worms and Ladders” a board game based on the better known “Snakes and Ladders”. STACC has transferred £2,650 to cover the cost of making good quality game boards for distribution in schools.
On November 18th Bristows LLP (100 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DH) hosted a splendid Dinner for STACC. We thank Fiona Nicolson, a partner at Bristows and a distinguished Vice-President of STACC, for making possible this happy event. On December 3rd Investec (Investment Management, Quartermile One, Edinburgh EH3 9EN) generously hosted a Cocktail Party that also raised funds and STACC’s profile.
During the year STACC’s Board of Directors strengthened its membership and distributed several responsibilities. Ama Addo, Virginia Crompton and Francesca Savioli joined the Board thereby increasing medical expertise and experience of Africa. Peter Holmes (Chairman) is now the focal point for Nigeria, Malcolm McLeod for Ghana, and John Briggs for Pemba Island. Lillias Robinson, Patricia Barclay and Niall Campbell continue with responsibility for finance, legal matters and risk assessment respectively.
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STACC’s support for health care during 2016 is expected to require recurrent costs of about £114,000 and non-recurrent of perhaps about £20,000. STACC also seeks to maintain a reserve of at least £100,000 to facilitate responses to identified risks.
Please send cheques made payable to St Andrew’s Clinics for Children to:
DWT Crompton, 101A Clifton Hill, London NW8 0JR or to Mrs LN Robinson,
St Andrew’s Clinics for Children, PO BOX 461, Glasgow G12 8QT.
Bank Standing Order Forms and Gift Aid Declaration Forms are available from the websitewww.standrewsclinics.org.uk
Gift Aid Please let us know if we may claim. You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains tax for a tax year at least equal to the tax repayment claimed on donations by the charities to whom you donate in that year. Gift Aid enables STACC to claim 25p for every £1 donated.
STACC has a Just Giving account – please visit www.justgiving.com/stacc/donate. This scheme accepts one-off gifts but also enables donors to make regular commitments including with Gift Aid.
Legacy Have you thought about remembering STACC in your will? This valued form of support can be established by following the instructions on the website.
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We wish you a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Thank you so much for making health care a reality for many children.
St Andrew’s Clinics for Children is a company limited by Guarantee of Charitable Status and not having a share capital. Directors do not receive remuneration. Registered in Scotland SC020553 and with Companies House SC140214. Registered office: 1 George Square, Glasgow G2 1AL, Scotland
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STACC seeks to comply with Data Protection legislation. If you do not wish to receive newsletters please notify DWT Crompton (address above). STACC does not share its address list with other organizations.