Meeting Dr. Moyo in a Fuel Shortage Traffic Jam
Today is April 25th, a Saturday. I forgot to mention yesterday that when we were driving back from Lilongwe to Nakoma Mission Hospital, we encountered a gas station where a line was building up for people waiting to get gas or diesel — though there was none available yet. A tanker truck was likely on the way, and the resulting traffic jam blocked our route.
What was fascinating was that at one point a truck showed up next to us and Stephen immediately said, “”Oh, that is Dr. Moyo.”” Dr. Moyo lowered his window and said hi — so that was the first time I got to meet him, right there in traffic caused by fuel shortages. Dr. Moyo has been instrumental in helping me get the Land Cruiser to leave at Nakoma Mission Hospital. It was just a fun, unexpected encounter.
The History of Nakoma Mission Hospital
The hospital was founded in 1915, so it has already been operating for more than 100 years. Other institutions in Nakoma, mostly related to the Presbyterian Church, include Nakoma University and the College of Nursing and Midwifery. Since 2017, Nakoma Mission Hospital has also served as a teaching hospital. It is all connected to the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, which has more than 3 million members across Central Africa.
World Vision’s Departure from Nakoma
Another thing I learned is that World Vision had been in Nakoma for about 20 years, but they pulled out last year. One of the reasons stated was that when they arrived, the malnutrition rate was at 50%, and they helped reduce it to 20%. While that is significant progress, 20% still represents a lot of people suffering from malnutrition. The signs of World Vision’s presence are still visible, but they are no longer operating in the area.
Sorting Things Out at Nakoma
On this Saturday, I am in a mode where I need to sort things out — emptying the Land Cruiser and finding places where everything can go. It’s an exciting time in many ways, although I wish we had made more progress with the visit to Lilongwe. But there’s not much one can do about it. Thank you for coming along.
