Quantum Resonance Magnetic Analyzer.

Saturday 23^rd November

I had arranged to meet Diven and his family at Food Royal for lunch.

Diven came with his wife Delia, his son Paul and daughter Lwendo. I couldn't help but notice the marked difference between Delia now and only six months ago when we last went for a meal. She has lost a lot of weight and had difficulty eating much of the food, whereas last time she really enjoyed the meal – the food was the same – fish (bream) and chips.

Paul no longer cries when he sees me and is happy to play games – it is Lwendo who is unsure, despite the fun we had last time!

After the meal we went to a shop that sells herbal medicine and claims to be able to identify all your medical issues using a machine connected to a laptop called a Quantum Resonance Magnetic Analyzer. This sounds impressive. Delia was asked to hold a metal bar while the equipment

apparently tested everything from her blood to her kidneys and liver, checked for vitamin deficiencies etc. This took less than 5 minutes and a chart appeared on the computer which allowed the practitioner to mark the issues on a prepared form – which listed all manner of possible problems. In this instance Delia managed to fail against 10 itemised issues. The woman then identified a range of medicines which would solve the problems.

We said we would consider the results before buying the medicine – the total cost of which would be 480 ZMW (Approx £25 at today's rates) For many this is a month's income and even those with a steady job it equates to the wages of a week or two. But if it would allow Delia to recover, to be mobile and able to look after the family it would be easily worth it.

I accompanied Diven and family to his house in the taxi. About a month ago Diven went to a similar clinic and also received a printout. So I asked him to see if he could find it. Eventually he produced it and the company was the same – or at least the form used to record medical problems was exactly the same – with the identical medical categories. Interestingly Delia had failed on 19 items last month and only one matched the issues causing problems today!!

Even I thought that there might be a grain of truth in the technique and possibly some of the herbal remedies might have beneficial properties, but from our comparative tests there is no reason to believe there is any merit at all in this so-called medical centre. It is sad that some people are willing to make money out of desperate vulnerable people.

I had a look at Diven's latest building idea. I worry that he will never be able to make the shop profitable – more thought and discussion is required.

On the way back home I bumped into George. I have known him from the church and St. Veronica's for many years. He was convicted of a serious crime a few years back and spent 5 years in Mazabuka Prison, despite what had happened, his wife stood by him and took him back afterwards. He told me that she had fallen off her bike and badly injured her ankle back in June, but it was gradually healing.

This morning I had an early visitor. A young man from St. Veronica's Small Christian Community came to see me. His wife developed a growth in her mouth. After tests, which didn't identify an issue; the growth was removed. After a few months however it returned, growing more vigorously. Further tests and another operation was undertaken in Lusaka. The costs of this treatment mounted up and the man is only on a small salary. He borrowed some money, but has found difficulties paying it back and interest has been added. This is another familiar story. Unless something is done to clear the debt, he is worried that he will be arrested and thrown in jail.

Angelina came around as agreed this afternoon. She brought her youngest son Nelson. He was one of the children who was supported through secondary education with funds raised by St. Gregory's parishioners in Cheltenham. He excelled at school and did very well in his exams, gaining a good Grade 12 certificate. That was in 2017. He wanted to continue into further education, but the costs are completely beyond his family's means. At the moment he earns 200 ZMW per month (About £11).

Nelson is the only child in the family to gain a Grade 12 certificate. He told me that he recognised that he was given an opportunity and was not going to waste it. A lot of expectation rests on his shoulders, but unless he progresses further he can't see how they will be fulfilled. His real dream is to become a doctor, but feels that a course in nursing would at least give him something. Appropriate courses at the University of Zambia in Lusaka cost 26,000ZMK per semester (approx £1,500) The course for a nurse is 4 years and for a doctor 7 years. Without sponsorship this will be impossible. I had to say that I couldn't help personally, but would tell his story. I know the likelihood is that Nelson will become another child whose potential is left unfulfilled.

Jennipher was my next visitor. The lady who was in Monze Hospital and transferred to Pemba clinic died yesterday afternoon. Jennipher looked worn out and said she didn't sleep last night. She was in Monze to buy a coffin. Tomorrow they will have the burial and the wake. In view of the situation with food, apparently the funeral process has been much shortened of late.

My final visitor of the day was Raymond, who came bearing mangoes!! - I should have mentioned that Angelina brought me Chibanto (sweet beer) and roasted groundnuts! - So today I have been well gifted!!

The power was on and I was cooking. So I added a little more rice and we had a decent meal for two. We chatted a bit about politics and flights to and from the UK.

I think it is important to talk and share ideas – even buying groceries from stallholders often presents an opportunity to share some thoughts. I often have to apologise for my inability to speak Chitonga – the local language. Very few people here speak just a single language. Most will be able to converse in four or five Zambian languages and also do a good job in English. They put us to shame!.

Chris

P.S. Apologies for the poverty of relevant photos I will try to take more in future!!