The majority of the group headed off to the Shirati hospital for our first official day on the units and in clinics. The day started with report, which we found difficult to understand. After receiving report, everyone ventured off to their assigned clinics which included Paliative Care, HIV, Mother-baby, and Outpatient. The rest of us did rounds with Dr. Esther on the Pediatric ward, where we found many children with severe Malaria. Afterwards, those students went with Dr. Esther to her clinic in Sota, where we assisted in mother-baby care as well as general family care. We talked with new mothers about the importance of breast feeding, nutrition and immunizations for not only themselves but their babies. However, we found teaching difficult due to the language barrier. We also assisted in assessing pregnant mothers by checking fetal heart tones and the growth of the babies. While we were at the clinic, we encountered what one might consider an ethical dilemma. A mother who previously tested positive for HIV decided not to take the medication. Today, her 18 month old child was found positive for HIV.
Later in the day the group made their way down to the market. The market was very crowded with lots of local products and food! It was a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture. 
