Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2004

A television monitor and a VCR have been donated to the Lethem Maternal and Child Health clinic by John and Grace Perkins who reside in the United States.
Mid-wife of the clinic, Cecelia Reed expressed her delight at the gift which will be used to educate potential and expectant mothers. She said that the couple sent the money for the equipment through Peace Corps Volunteer, Helen Oyen.
With the Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) to be launched shortly in the Region Nine, “it would help us more in educating mothers about HIV/AIDS,” emphasised Ms. Reed.
Additionally, the clinic will be getting a computer and printer soon from Mr. and Mrs. Perkins and this will assist with the record keeping and storing of data of patients.
The annual report for 2003 indicated that the clinic saw 164 ante-natal mothers; had 207 births; saw 228 children under one, and 619 children from one to four.
According to the mid-wife, the clinic vaccinates all children and adults in Lethem and there are adequate supplies of vaccines, and syringes.
The clinic is being manned by two mid-wives and a Peace Corps volunteer. Fifty-three medical books were also donated to the clinic by the Perkins.