health care and elections

I've spent another week in the village and another week with failure of technology- this time my computer wouldn't even turn on! I have learned a lot about putting things in perspective since arriving here, though, so failure of this machine now ranks a bit lower on the list. In any event, it started working again and I am grateful. I spent the week observing at a hospital in one of the MVP villages. I watched deliveries, observed an HIV clinic, and went on hospital rounds in addition to interviewing staff and examining records. There is considerable drama in watching people care for serious illness in the context of profound poverty, understaffing and very low resources. Tests, treatments, and amenities that I've taken for granted are not present (x-rays, many blood tests, consistent availability of medications, water, electricity in some health centers, sheets on the beds, food for the patients). Since my task is quality of care, I've found room for improvement but what is being accomplished and the energy expended in trying to improve the system is impressive. Besides the drama, there's a lot of waiting- another life skill I'm learning about. Some random thoughts: In Ruhiira and throughout the country elections will take place at the end of August. On many days, trucks with singers and dancers pull into town to campaign (I have no idea if there's a political message but the music is great) for a candidate. The pictures are of my favorite candidate and Ruhiirans enjoying the music. Yes, the milky way is beautiful in Ruhiira. And I'm reading The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri that starts out at Mt Auburn Hospital (!) and Banana Cultures (of course) about the importance of the banana in history. I would appreciate any recommendations for books (especially that are available on Kindle since others will have to wait!)