Members and friends from the 28 congregations of Gordon Presbytery have responded with incredible generosity to the Presbytery Lent Appeal for Nkhoma Hospital in Malawi. Our initial appeal was to raise £5000 towards a target of $40,000 (about £30,000) being raised in the USA and Scotland. This was the initial "Covid budget" prepared by the hospital.

Here is some good news from Nkhoma. The initial Christmas spike in Covid cases has subsided, and there are not many cases currently. However we know from our own experience in the UK how quickly cases can surge.

Last week 156 members of the Hospital staff received their first vaccination. However, there is no prospect of a mass vaccination programme in Malawi.

The good news is that Malawi's Covid Task Force is asking Nkhoma to become a full Treatment Facility. This is a reflection of the excellent work already done at Nkhoma, but will stretch the hospital's budget.

The Hospital is also looking to upgrade the facilities and medication of it's ambulance. And it is looking to the next phase of funding for PPE and oxygen in May.

The good news is that the original target of $40,000 has been reached, and Gordon Presbytery has contributed over £8000 towards it. Our Lent Appeal will be open until Easter Monday, so if you have not yet made a donation, please consider doing so now.