I'm working with a charity called HIPZ, the Health Improvement Project, Zanzibar, which has been helping to support the local staff at the two cottage hospitals on the island since 2006.

I'm working in Kivunge, based in the North of the island, which serves some of the poorest people on the island.

There has been a spate recently of equipment breaking which is providing yet further barriers to try and deliver the best health care that we can. Amongst many things, we are in need an auroscope (there is one for the whole hospital which has just broken), an inverter for the oxygen concentrator in the ambulance (until this can be replaced, we have no oxygen for the sickest patients that need transferring to the capital) and head torches (when the power goes out, emergency surgeries that are needed are carried out in the dark!).

Personally, and as a representative for HIPZ, I would be so grateful for any contribution that anyone feels that they could spare. I will keep you posted on the great work that HIPZ is doing but also how your donations are going to a great cause.

Asanteni!