In January 2008 the three-strong Trustee party went out to Andhra Pradesh with a clear brief: action to deal with the perennial health hazard brought about by excessive rain in September/October. In late 2007 it was worse than usual with appalling numbers of mosquitoes and many children sick from what they call seasonal fevers. For children who have suffered malnutrition in their early years it is hard to shake off. A number of children developed T.B. others had persistent coughs and respiratory problems.

The money sent out as a result of our appeal in October enabled some emergency action to be taken but we wanted longer term solutions.

Better diet: Four splendid water buffalo were purchased., bringing the number in milk up to six. Their rich milk is superbly nutritious. Every child now has two glasses of milk a day. Seven buffalo are in calf so continuity of supply is guaranteed. All the animals are TT and the vet calls monthly to do a health check.

We brought large quantities of vitamin pills. Children will have a five week course of vitamins before the rains come each year.

The generous response to our appeal enabled us to build separate sick bays with toilets for boys and girls.

Mosquitoes can be kept out by netting, either round the beds or on frames at the windows and doors. These will be installed when funds permit. The chemical treatments which are much used in India are not good for children with respiratory problems.

In the cold weather the children benefit from having hot water. Small electric geysers were installed for emergencies but larger supplies are provided by 2 solar water heating units at Bapatla. A new large water tank has been built on the roof of the boys' toilet block.

The new upstairs offices were opened, freeing up the space on the ground floor to accommodate the resident nurse and for the new sickbays, dispensary and toilets.

Morale is high.

New pressure cooker cuts cooking time for dahl from 40 minutes to 8.