Here at the Evangelical Medical Center of Lubango hospitalized children generally do not do well. Honestly, I doubt this is a reflection on our Center as much as it is a mirror of the nation as a whole. Because of educational, financial, and cultural barriers parents tend to bring their kids for care only as a last resort. Hence, many whom I examine in the ER have temperatures of 104, are lethargic, and in respiratory distress. Their diseases are not exotic; mostly dysentery, dehydration, pneumonia and malaria – often compounded by malnutrition. Three days ago I admitted 4 children to our little pediatrics ward: Sara – a 12-month old with pneumonia and malaria, Paulo – a 7-year old with amebas and diarrhea, Avelina – a 9 years young with malaria, and Edite – a 15-month old with pneumonia, malaria, and tuberculosis. Of all the patients here at the Center, these receive my closest attention. And this morning I’m very happy to report that the first 3 kids are well enough to go home!!!