A Very Special Project in Nanchang, Jiujiang and Fuzhou (Linchuan)

The orphanages in Nanchang, Jiujiang and Fuzhou (Linchuan) have a total of 67 children, most between the ages of 2 and 4 years of age, who have tested positive for the Hepatitis B virus.

During Dr. Hong’s recent field visit, she and Ms. Qiu found that of the foster care children, 23 have contracted Hepatitis B.  Some of foster care families have been immunized and some haven’t.  This is in addition to the 67 children that we know about who are residing in the orphanages in Nanchang, Jiujiang and Fuzhou (Linchuan).  They're looking for help for these children and also need to get the families immunized. 

In the Nanchang Social Welfare Institute, a team of doctors were treating the children, using Chinese herbal medicine.  Recent reports indicate that the medicines didn't produce the results that they were hoping for.

We feel strongly that additional medical personnel should be brought in to do further testing and provide the necessary treatment.  We're asking that anyone having any resources, whether they be financial or medical, please contact us as soon as possible.

With proper treatment, Hepatitis B does NOT have to be a death sentence.  We can ensure that these kids lead normal, healthy, long lives.

We're continuing to search for a doctor, trained in western medicine, who specializes in treating Hepatitis B.  In the meantime, we've been taking additional action.

Currently, reports indicate that enough vitamins are being donated on a regular basis.  So, now we'll be able to expand our Supplemental Nutrition Program to provide milk for these kids.

We've been asked to provide $469 every three months to provide milk for the Hep B+ kids in several Jiangxi Province orphanages.   Please contact us if you'd like to help and mark your donation for our Supplemental Nutrition Program.

Hugging Grannies are now working with the children.  Amity's most recent report stated, "The children with hepatitis B have been moved from the second floor to the ground floor, which is more convenient for them.  Now the Grandmas take them to play outdoors often.  With the care from the Grandmas, they are now active and pretty.  All of them can recite children's poems and sing songs.  They enjoy their life.  Encouraged by the hard work and enthusiasm of the Grandmas, the orphanage staff are learning from them, so that they can do their best for the health and happiness of the orphans."

With donations from myself, Sara Davidson Maddox, Bonnie Ward and the August DTC group, six boxes of toys, learning materials, wall charts, books, cassettes, games, art materials, dental care items and a backpack for each child have been sent to the Hep B unit in Nanchang.

Keeping the children busy and happy will help.  Our wonderful Hugging Grannies have teaching, as well as medical backgrounds.

Amity's Dr. Hong has also spent time working on a program of better nutrition for the children.  Also, all children and staff members in the orphanage have now been immunized against the virus.

We are also sending funds to provide medicines for the 21 infected children in Jiujiang, as well as the Hep B vaccine to all Hugging Grannies who work there.  We are asking for donations or resources to provide immunization for the other children in the orphanage and are in the process of finding out what the situation is there.

If you'd like to make a cash donation for this project, please contact us.

Just download the Contribution Form and check the blank for a "A Specific Orphanage Request".  Make a note on that line, specifying that your donation should be directed to the "Hep B Special Project".

We're all very hopeful that we can turn this situation around.  We just need a little help!

Thanks Very Much,

Peggy Gurrad  
Altrusa

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