Staff of St Francis have appealed for help with 2 essential ways.

The hospital does not have mains water supply. It relies on it's own groundwater boreholes. Water shortage is now affecting a range of critical services; clinical, domestic, laundry, kitchen and sanitation. Even the simplest infection control measure such as hand washing will become increasingly difficult. They need to drill a new borehole.

At the same time, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for hospital and community staff is urgently needed as the spread of Coronavirus advances throughout the continent of Africa, including Zambia. It is already present in urban areas. There are cases in Lusaka, the capital, and it is only a matter of time before cases increase throughout rural areas such as Katete and St Francis Hospital. Having PPE can significantly reduce infection rates and keep staff and patients safe. They lack funds to buy PPE supplies.

We estimate that £10,000 would provide enough funding for a borehole and PPE.