Sheku Conteh
Sheku Conteh is a valued member of the Africa Mercy’s Engineering Team. He is well-respected as a man of great integrity, who has overcome great obstacles to live his dreams. He treasures every blessing in his life as a gift from God.
Reflecting upon the dramatic changes in his life, Sheku gazes thoughtfully at the sea. Then his gaze becomes more intent as he says, “To understand what has happened to me, you need to know my story.”
His story starts in Sierra Leone in 2002, after the war. A boil appeared on his face. His mother prayed for him daily while cooking African herbs to make an ointment which she gently pressed onto his wound. But his condition worsened.
Eventually the growth developed into a facial tumor. With each day, it became more challenging for Sheku to lead a normal life in his community, where such deformities are viewed with distrust and fear.
To make life even more difficult during the next year, violence erupted again. Many atrocities occurred, and Sheku’s home was burned down by rebels. He and his family went to live in a camp, and as time passed, the plastic shelter became home for them.
In 2002, Sheku passed by a Mercy Ships local office on his way home from school. A day-volunteer ran into the street and called to him, “What is wrong with you?” Sheku was initially quite stunned by this sudden outburst. However, within minutes, he was offered an opportunity that would save his life. He was presented with an appointment card to visit Mercy Ships when the hospital ship, the Anastasis, arrived. Although the ship’s exact arrival date was unconfirmed, he went home with a newfound hope that gave him the determination to attend school in spite of the taunts he endured from other students.
During 2002, Sheku’s health deteriorated until one day he was rushed to the hospital with pain and respiratory difficulties. There was nothing they could do for him. His only option was to pray for Mercy Ships to arrive quickly – to save his life. He was only 14 years old.
Finally, he heard the long-anticipated radio announcement – the hospital ship had arrived in Freetown to offer free surgeries!
On the day of the medical screening, Sheku awoke very early, while it was still dark. At the stadium his mother held him close as they stood in line. Unexpectedly, they were taken straight to the doctors for diagnosis. To their surprise, Sheku was offered treatment. It was hard to comprehend that his time for healing had arrived. He felt apprehensive and insecure, without any strong foundation of faith to calm him.
During Sheku’s medical assessment, he noticed a Mercy Ships volunteer watching him. Sheku recalls, “I was so angry to be stared at.” Little did Sheku know that this man would be the catalyst for radical changes in his life.
Not long afterward, Sheku heard a man shouting his name in the street. He cautiously ventured outside. It was Chris, the man who had ignited his anger during the screening. Sheku exclaimed to his mother, “Someone is coming for me!”
As Chris learned more about Sheku’s journey to find treatment, he soon became a regular visitor to Sheku’s home. A wonderful benefit of this attention was that the local bullies were very impressed by the white man’s friendship for Sheku and quit mistreating the boy.
In the following weeks, Sheku’s pain increased. He prayed that his life would be spared long enough for him to receive the operation from Mercy Ships. He silently hid in his house – afraid that if he ventured outside, someone would use witchcraft to curse him and hasten his death.
Ironically, on New Year’s Day in 2003 – a day that usually symbolizes hope for the future year – Sheku sat quivering with anxiety and pain. He sadly recalls, “I was feeling pain. Praying. Nervous about having surgery, in case I did not survive.”
Mercy Ships volunteer surgeons successfully removed the core of the massive tumor. The surgery also freed Sheku from his fear of imminent death. He realized that he actually had a future! His new friend Chris decided to brighten that future by sponsoring Sheku’s school attendance until he was 16 years old.
Time flew by, and in 2004 Mercy Ships returned to Sierra Leone. Sheku enjoyed seeing his friend Chris again. After visiting the plastic shelter that was still serving as home for Sheku and his family, Chris purchased housing for them and provided funding for the young man to continue his education.
After thoughtful consideration of his discussions with Chris, Sheku put his faith to the test by attending the Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Ghana in 2009. This radically transformed his uncertainty into a deep, reassuring faith. He reminisces, “It was really great. I became closer to God. I could see God working.”
By the end of his training, the global economy was in a slump. However, Chris continued to support Sheku. One day, Chris asked Sheku, “What do you want to do with your life now?” Sheku wanted to attend college to study medicine. Chris investigated a more feasible option – working onboard the hospital ship in Engineering with Chief Engineer, Andy Cole. This work was due to start very soon. In light of this new option, Sheku fervently prayed throughout the night. The next morning he received a golden opportunity. Blinking in disbelief, he read an email offering him a six-month job as a day-volunteer in engineering onboard the Africa Mercy in Togo!
Sheku embraced the God-sent opportunity. He left his family’s home to live on his own for the first time, with Chris graciously supplying the accommodation. And, for the first time, Sheku was really living by faith. He worked diligently, declaring, “It’s all in the heart and attitude.”
Opportunities continued to unfold. After only two months, he was offered an apprenticeship as an engine hand with Mercy Ships. This was the launch of his career.
Next, Sheku had his long-awaited final surgery – the Iliac Crest Bone Graft (ICBG) procedure. There was no longer any trace of his disfigurement! By December 2010, Sheku’s onboard training had been completed and certified by the Engineering Department. The 21-year-old was promoted to Motor Man onboard the Africa Mercy.
Sheku has come a long way since he first met Mercy Ships. He reflectively comments, “One day I dreamt I might come back to work with Mercy Ships if I’m rich and retired … now I’m aiming to be an engineering officer aboard the ship.” He has also helped his family to build their own home on a plot of land provided by Chris.
To a large degree, Sheku attributes his successes to the continuing loyal support and guidance from Chris and Mercy Ships. However, ultimately, the most dramatic change in his life came from his willingness to follow Jesus. He declares, “I have this important message. My testament in faith will bring hope to transform lives and bring people to Mercy Ships. God is with us at all times – and with this knowledge, hope will come to fruition.”
Story by Claire Ross
Friday, June 10, 2011
SIERRA LEONE-REVISITING JOSEPH
Looking very sharp in his Boy Scout uniform, nine-year-old Joseph Fofanah stepped up to accept his country's flag. Then he marched crisply to place it in the stand, saluted, and retreated smartly. It was appropriate that this young man participated in the ceremony to welcome the arrival of the Africa Mercy in Sierra Leone.
Mercy Ships played a very important role in Joseph's life. He was born with a cleft palate and cleft lip. “He was having a problem,” said his mother, Isatu. “Any liquid we fed him would come back out his nose.”
This serious birth defect negatively impacts the lives of many African children. Fortunately, Isatu realized that her son needed a medical procedure to repair the cleft. However, the cost of the surgery was more than she and her husband could afford. “But the pastor and the doctor who delivered Joseph told me not to worry,” said Isatu. “A Mercy Ship is just on the way.”
Joseph had his first surgery in 2002, when he was almost four months old, and he received a second surgery the following year. He has no memory of his problem or of his Mercy Ships experiences, but the success of these procedures is evident in his brilliant smile.
Today, Joseph is a happy, active fourth-grader. His favorite subject is mathematics, which may have something to do with his ambition to be a banker one day. An avid football (soccer) enthusiast, he is the goalie on his school team, and enjoys playing with his younger brother, Joshua.
Scouting is very popular in Sierra Leone, and Joseph is a five-year member of Boy Scout Team 3. “I really love to march,” he says, and he's looking forward to camping with his troop.
When asked what he thought about being onboard the Africa Mercy , he grinned and exclaimed, “I'm excited, and I really want to stay here!”
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Photos by Debra Bell
Mercy Ships played a very important role in Joseph's life. He was born with a cleft palate and cleft lip. “He was having a problem,” said his mother, Isatu. “Any liquid we fed him would come back out his nose.”
This serious birth defect negatively impacts the lives of many African children. Fortunately, Isatu realized that her son needed a medical procedure to repair the cleft. However, the cost of the surgery was more than she and her husband could afford. “But the pastor and the doctor who delivered Joseph told me not to worry,” said Isatu. “A Mercy Ship is just on the way.”
Joseph had his first surgery in 2002, when he was almost four months old, and he received a second surgery the following year. He has no memory of his problem or of his Mercy Ships experiences, but the success of these procedures is evident in his brilliant smile.
Today, Joseph is a happy, active fourth-grader. His favorite subject is mathematics, which may have something to do with his ambition to be a banker one day. An avid football (soccer) enthusiast, he is the goalie on his school team, and enjoys playing with his younger brother, Joshua.
Scouting is very popular in Sierra Leone, and Joseph is a five-year member of Boy Scout Team 3. “I really love to march,” he says, and he's looking forward to camping with his troop.
When asked what he thought about being onboard the Africa Mercy , he grinned and exclaimed, “I'm excited, and I really want to stay here!”
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Photos by Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE-PONSETI TRAINING
In West Africa, the birth defect commonly known as club foot is often thought to be the touch of the devil. The result of that fear is that babies with this problem are ridiculed and shunned, condemned to a dismal future.
Club foot is a condition present from birth in which the foot grows inward. Although the problem is widespread in West Africa, the deformity can be easily reversed by a series of casts developed by Dr. Ignacio Ponseti.
Mercy Ships physicians recommended using the Ponseti method in Africa. In the 2010 Field Service, Dr Frank Haydon directed the Ponseti Treatment Program with CNAO (the national prosthetic/orthotic center) in Lomé, Togo. For the 2011 Field Service in Sierra Leone, Dr. Haydon adapted the program to incorporate long-term sustainability through partnerships with Prosthetic Outreach Foundation (POF), Aberdeen Rehabilitation Centre, Handicap International, and Cure Clubfoot Worldwide. Significant practical training is offered to the existing partnered clinics. This allows for services to continue even after Mercy Ships has left the country.
The training program encompasses all aspects of the treatment – medical, resources, patient care, and sustainability of clinics. Dr Frank Haydon, assisted by Anna Vines, leads Train the Trainer events for local health care professionals. These events are dynamic and interactive – utilizing slideshows, videos, practical demonstrations with props, and group workshops to practice techniques.
The Program delivers theory, resolutions to common issues, and practical techniques. Step one emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. The main objective is targeting children, 0-2 years old, when the bones are still forming. Early identification minimizes the prevalence of this condition in the adult population and improves the success of ongoing in-country treatment plans.
In the second stage the method of casting is described and practiced during the workshops. The casting phase is usually up to six casts per treatment. During each casting, the baby’s foot is physically manipulated by applying pressure to the corrected foot alignment. This is a gentle technique that does not cause pain for the babies.
Generally the complications are limited to circulation difficulties – a problem that is easily remedied. However, the most common reason for treatment failure is broken casts, so the program strongly addresses ongoing counseling with the babies’ caregivers.
Throughout the training, brainstorming is strongly encouraged. At one event, a topic of discussion involved applying chicken wire as an abrasive material to protect the casts because this can be easily supplied at a low cost.
Step three addresses achillotenotomy, the surgical procedure to sever the Achilles tendon. This is usually performed after the fourth or fifth cast. Each workshop begins with a discussion of sterilization before practicing surgery on a model to identify the “safe triangle” between arteries, nerves and tendons.
The topic of the final stage is the design and use of the Foot Abduction Braces (FAB). This is critical to prevent relapse after the casting phase. The braces were originally invented by Dr. Ignacio Ponseti. However, Dr. Frank Haydon has pioneered the introduction of foot brace molds in West Africa. The soft leather shoes are secured onto a metal bar at specific angles to maintain the correct foot position. For three months the braces are worn 23 hours a day. Afterward, they are worn at night for up to three years. The workshops demonstrate the simple, yet effective, tools to make the shoes.
In order to treat a full schedule of clubfoot patients, clear organizational processes are needed. So, the training program includes fundamental requirements for successful clinic management – setting up a new clinic, assessment of treatment plans, advertising options and patient care advice for the caregivers.
Bambino Suma (Clinical Manager, POF) highlighted the valued of the knowledge shared during the training program, saying, “There are more ideas for the future. It is a very good experience. I was able to see past mistakes and improve my knowledge. There is a higher, new scale of training from this Mercy Ships program.”
Story by Claire Ross
Photos Debra Bell
Club foot is a condition present from birth in which the foot grows inward. Although the problem is widespread in West Africa, the deformity can be easily reversed by a series of casts developed by Dr. Ignacio Ponseti.
Mercy Ships physicians recommended using the Ponseti method in Africa. In the 2010 Field Service, Dr Frank Haydon directed the Ponseti Treatment Program with CNAO (the national prosthetic/orthotic center) in Lomé, Togo. For the 2011 Field Service in Sierra Leone, Dr. Haydon adapted the program to incorporate long-term sustainability through partnerships with Prosthetic Outreach Foundation (POF), Aberdeen Rehabilitation Centre, Handicap International, and Cure Clubfoot Worldwide. Significant practical training is offered to the existing partnered clinics. This allows for services to continue even after Mercy Ships has left the country.
The training program encompasses all aspects of the treatment – medical, resources, patient care, and sustainability of clinics. Dr Frank Haydon, assisted by Anna Vines, leads Train the Trainer events for local health care professionals. These events are dynamic and interactive – utilizing slideshows, videos, practical demonstrations with props, and group workshops to practice techniques.
The Program delivers theory, resolutions to common issues, and practical techniques. Step one emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. The main objective is targeting children, 0-2 years old, when the bones are still forming. Early identification minimizes the prevalence of this condition in the adult population and improves the success of ongoing in-country treatment plans.
In the second stage the method of casting is described and practiced during the workshops. The casting phase is usually up to six casts per treatment. During each casting, the baby’s foot is physically manipulated by applying pressure to the corrected foot alignment. This is a gentle technique that does not cause pain for the babies.
Generally the complications are limited to circulation difficulties – a problem that is easily remedied. However, the most common reason for treatment failure is broken casts, so the program strongly addresses ongoing counseling with the babies’ caregivers.
Throughout the training, brainstorming is strongly encouraged. At one event, a topic of discussion involved applying chicken wire as an abrasive material to protect the casts because this can be easily supplied at a low cost.
Step three addresses achillotenotomy, the surgical procedure to sever the Achilles tendon. This is usually performed after the fourth or fifth cast. Each workshop begins with a discussion of sterilization before practicing surgery on a model to identify the “safe triangle” between arteries, nerves and tendons.
The topic of the final stage is the design and use of the Foot Abduction Braces (FAB). This is critical to prevent relapse after the casting phase. The braces were originally invented by Dr. Ignacio Ponseti. However, Dr. Frank Haydon has pioneered the introduction of foot brace molds in West Africa. The soft leather shoes are secured onto a metal bar at specific angles to maintain the correct foot position. For three months the braces are worn 23 hours a day. Afterward, they are worn at night for up to three years. The workshops demonstrate the simple, yet effective, tools to make the shoes.
In order to treat a full schedule of clubfoot patients, clear organizational processes are needed. So, the training program includes fundamental requirements for successful clinic management – setting up a new clinic, assessment of treatment plans, advertising options and patient care advice for the caregivers.
Bambino Suma (Clinical Manager, POF) highlighted the valued of the knowledge shared during the training program, saying, “There are more ideas for the future. It is a very good experience. I was able to see past mistakes and improve my knowledge. There is a higher, new scale of training from this Mercy Ships program.”
Story by Claire Ross
Photos Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE-NAMINA NOMA NOMA (Part 1)
Chapter One: Dr. Sandra Lako helps a child in need
Born in The Netherlands, Sandra Lako’s childhood years took an adventurous voyage across the African seas. Her family took a leap of faith and committed to long-term mission work onboard the Mercy Ships hospital ship, the Anastasis.
They served mainly in the impoverished countries of West Africa. So, from the tender age of two, Sandra was immersed in a lifestyle of serving the needs of the most deprived communities in the poorest nations. This was the life she understood and embraced. She recalls life on the ship as being contented and sheltered in some ways. Attending the ship’s academy enabled her to develop confidence and to find fulfilment in educational achievement.
Sandra’s unique upbringing offered opportunities that ignited her passion for medical work. At fifteen, she helped with some medical teams onshore. There had been a measles outbreak which left a trail of devastation in the health of the local population. Her duties were to help feed the malnourished sick children. On her first day, she witnessed children dying. That moment forever changed her life. She says, “There was so little to do to help. I felt helpless. It triggered thoughts that, medically, to have skills would actively help.”
That thought led eighteen-year-old Sandra to leave the ship, return to The Netherlands, and complete her education to qualify as a doctor. First, she achieved the International Baccalaureate qualifications needed for medical school before attending Nijmegen Medical School. During her studies, she visited The Gambia for her internship (elective), and then she went to Tanzania in her final year at medical school. Both experiences confirmed her passion to use her medical skills to help the poor. Finally, she completed a diploma program at the Liverpool School of Tropical Diseases. Now, she was primed and ready to practice as a doctor in Africa.
Shortly afterwards, in March 2005, she was presented with an incredible opportunity. Mercy Ships was planning to open a land-based facility in Freetown, Sierra Leone. They required a doctor to set up a clinic, but the scope of the services to be offered was undecided. Dr. Sandra valiantly took on the responsibility and immediately set about researching the priority health services needed.
To identify the optimal use for the new facility, she explored the local health system by shadowing doctors in local hospitals. Despite urgent medical needs for all the local population, Dr. Sandra discovered some alarming statistics regarding the high mortality rate of children – 1 in 5 children do not reach the age of five years old. She convinced the local community leaders that there was an over-riding need to provide a clinic for children. In May 2005, the clinic opened.
Early in 2009 a very sick child arrived at her clinic suffering from a condition commonly known as noma. This malicious and aggressive bacteria destroys the flesh. For most sufferers, it results in death. In fact, there is a 90% mortality rate.
This case was unusual. The little five-year-old girl, Namina Yillah had survived the condition for two months. Although her fighting spirit had avoided death, the severity of her symptoms was evident. Her face tragically displayed a gaping hole lined with decomposing tissue. To make matters even worse, her significant malnutrition was an imposing threat to her recovery.
Although the case looked impossible to treat, Dr. Sandra repeatedly asked herself, “How can we help?” This positive approach demonstrates the optimistic outlook and the resilience in the face of adversity that is so intrinsically in the heart of Dr. Sandra. She carefully evaluated every option for success.
There were no immediate solutions. Fundamentally, Namina had survived against all odds. Dr. Sandra decided to treat the wound and change the dressing every day. This intensive treatment was accompanied with improving Namina’s general health by providing multi-vitamins and cartons of milk.
After six months of daily treatment, the infection cleared and the wound stabilized. Namina was finally ready to receive surgery to rebuild her face. However, the local medical teams had little expertise and no facilities to perform this type of surgery. Only Mercy Ships could provide the treatment Namina so desperately needed. So the daily treatment continued for the next 18 months while waiting for the Africa Mercy to come to Sierra Leone.
During that time, Namina’s health remained in a delicate state. She was vulnerable to contagious bacteria and suffered from several illnesses, including malaria and chest infections. Dr. Sandra recalls, “She was a very sad little girl. We had to wait until the end of the day to do her dressing changes due to the pain. She was so brave.”
Finally, they received the news they had anxiously awaited! The Africa Mercy had docked in Freetown. The hospital ship . . . and hope . . . had arrived!
To be continued . . .
Story by Claire Ross
Photos by Debra Bell
Born in The Netherlands, Sandra Lako’s childhood years took an adventurous voyage across the African seas. Her family took a leap of faith and committed to long-term mission work onboard the Mercy Ships hospital ship, the Anastasis.
They served mainly in the impoverished countries of West Africa. So, from the tender age of two, Sandra was immersed in a lifestyle of serving the needs of the most deprived communities in the poorest nations. This was the life she understood and embraced. She recalls life on the ship as being contented and sheltered in some ways. Attending the ship’s academy enabled her to develop confidence and to find fulfilment in educational achievement.
Sandra’s unique upbringing offered opportunities that ignited her passion for medical work. At fifteen, she helped with some medical teams onshore. There had been a measles outbreak which left a trail of devastation in the health of the local population. Her duties were to help feed the malnourished sick children. On her first day, she witnessed children dying. That moment forever changed her life. She says, “There was so little to do to help. I felt helpless. It triggered thoughts that, medically, to have skills would actively help.”
That thought led eighteen-year-old Sandra to leave the ship, return to The Netherlands, and complete her education to qualify as a doctor. First, she achieved the International Baccalaureate qualifications needed for medical school before attending Nijmegen Medical School. During her studies, she visited The Gambia for her internship (elective), and then she went to Tanzania in her final year at medical school. Both experiences confirmed her passion to use her medical skills to help the poor. Finally, she completed a diploma program at the Liverpool School of Tropical Diseases. Now, she was primed and ready to practice as a doctor in Africa.
Shortly afterwards, in March 2005, she was presented with an incredible opportunity. Mercy Ships was planning to open a land-based facility in Freetown, Sierra Leone. They required a doctor to set up a clinic, but the scope of the services to be offered was undecided. Dr. Sandra valiantly took on the responsibility and immediately set about researching the priority health services needed.
To identify the optimal use for the new facility, she explored the local health system by shadowing doctors in local hospitals. Despite urgent medical needs for all the local population, Dr. Sandra discovered some alarming statistics regarding the high mortality rate of children – 1 in 5 children do not reach the age of five years old. She convinced the local community leaders that there was an over-riding need to provide a clinic for children. In May 2005, the clinic opened.
Early in 2009 a very sick child arrived at her clinic suffering from a condition commonly known as noma. This malicious and aggressive bacteria destroys the flesh. For most sufferers, it results in death. In fact, there is a 90% mortality rate.
This case was unusual. The little five-year-old girl, Namina Yillah had survived the condition for two months. Although her fighting spirit had avoided death, the severity of her symptoms was evident. Her face tragically displayed a gaping hole lined with decomposing tissue. To make matters even worse, her significant malnutrition was an imposing threat to her recovery.
Although the case looked impossible to treat, Dr. Sandra repeatedly asked herself, “How can we help?” This positive approach demonstrates the optimistic outlook and the resilience in the face of adversity that is so intrinsically in the heart of Dr. Sandra. She carefully evaluated every option for success.
There were no immediate solutions. Fundamentally, Namina had survived against all odds. Dr. Sandra decided to treat the wound and change the dressing every day. This intensive treatment was accompanied with improving Namina’s general health by providing multi-vitamins and cartons of milk.
After six months of daily treatment, the infection cleared and the wound stabilized. Namina was finally ready to receive surgery to rebuild her face. However, the local medical teams had little expertise and no facilities to perform this type of surgery. Only Mercy Ships could provide the treatment Namina so desperately needed. So the daily treatment continued for the next 18 months while waiting for the Africa Mercy to come to Sierra Leone.
During that time, Namina’s health remained in a delicate state. She was vulnerable to contagious bacteria and suffered from several illnesses, including malaria and chest infections. Dr. Sandra recalls, “She was a very sad little girl. We had to wait until the end of the day to do her dressing changes due to the pain. She was so brave.”
Finally, they received the news they had anxiously awaited! The Africa Mercy had docked in Freetown. The hospital ship . . . and hope . . . had arrived!
To be continued . . .
Story by Claire Ross
Photos by Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE-MARTHA JAWANEH
Martha is two personalities in one ten-year-old body – a determined dynamo held back by extremely bowed legs, and a shy little girl who has a heart for others. She loves school and is ranked number one in her third-grade class of 78 students. English is her favorite subject, and she takes every opportunity to read stories in English. She is a very conscientious child who always tries to do her best.
A long time ago, Martha decided on her life’s goal. “I want to be a lawyer. I want to speak for people,” she says.
Her uncle confirmed her choice, saying, “She’s said this since she was tiny. She wants to be a lawyer because she’s seen many people at a disadvantage, and she wants to defend them.”
But Martha has two big strikes against her – she was born with extremely bowed legs that make walking difficult and painful, and she lives in poverty in a small village far from the capital city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Her education is intermittent because school is not free and her father is often jobless. Yet, she clings to her dream.
Her bowed legs present a daily struggle, which is made worse by her classmates’ laughter and derision. In spite of this ridicule, Martha maintains a positive attitude and greets everyone with a smile.
Martha’s parents took her to a doctor in Guinea, but he only gave her medicine that did not help at all. Then a friend told Martha’s mother that a hospital ship called the Africa Mercy would arrive in Sierra Leone in a couple of months. Maybe this time Martha would find the help she so desperately needed.
Martha was excited when she was accepted for surgery after the screening, although she was also a little afraid to face the operation. She needn’t have worried. Mercy Ships volunteer surgeon, Dr. Peter Stevens, is a well-known orthopedic expert. In fact, he is the inventor of the eight-Plate, a guided growth system that harnesses the power of natural growth to correct deformed legs as they grow. Dr. Stevens installed the eight-Plate device in both of Martha’s legs without invasive surgery. The procedure requires no cast, allows for immediate weight-bearing and provides for rapid post-operative healing.
Martha was anxious to perform well during the therapy sessions. She was so cooperative, the nurses declared her the “star of therapy.”
Martha enjoyed her experience on the hospital ship. She made many friends and even enjoyed making bracelets and coloring as she recovered in the ward.
Now Martha is focused once again on her future. “I’m excited to go back to school!” she declared with a grin.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
A long time ago, Martha decided on her life’s goal. “I want to be a lawyer. I want to speak for people,” she says.
Her uncle confirmed her choice, saying, “She’s said this since she was tiny. She wants to be a lawyer because she’s seen many people at a disadvantage, and she wants to defend them.”
But Martha has two big strikes against her – she was born with extremely bowed legs that make walking difficult and painful, and she lives in poverty in a small village far from the capital city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Her education is intermittent because school is not free and her father is often jobless. Yet, she clings to her dream.
Her bowed legs present a daily struggle, which is made worse by her classmates’ laughter and derision. In spite of this ridicule, Martha maintains a positive attitude and greets everyone with a smile.
Martha’s parents took her to a doctor in Guinea, but he only gave her medicine that did not help at all. Then a friend told Martha’s mother that a hospital ship called the Africa Mercy would arrive in Sierra Leone in a couple of months. Maybe this time Martha would find the help she so desperately needed.
Martha was excited when she was accepted for surgery after the screening, although she was also a little afraid to face the operation. She needn’t have worried. Mercy Ships volunteer surgeon, Dr. Peter Stevens, is a well-known orthopedic expert. In fact, he is the inventor of the eight-Plate, a guided growth system that harnesses the power of natural growth to correct deformed legs as they grow. Dr. Stevens installed the eight-Plate device in both of Martha’s legs without invasive surgery. The procedure requires no cast, allows for immediate weight-bearing and provides for rapid post-operative healing.
Martha was anxious to perform well during the therapy sessions. She was so cooperative, the nurses declared her the “star of therapy.”
Martha enjoyed her experience on the hospital ship. She made many friends and even enjoyed making bracelets and coloring as she recovered in the ward.
Now Martha is focused once again on her future. “I’m excited to go back to school!” she declared with a grin.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Thursday, June 9, 2011
SIERRA LEONE-MARIAMA DANCING INTO A NEW LIFE
In West Africa, a child with bowed legs is feared, considered to be cursed by evil spirits. So, barely a month after Mariama’s entrance into the world, her parents fled in the night – leaving their tiny, fragile baby girl on a doorstep. Alone and helpless in the terror of the night.
But God had a different plan for this beautiful life. The next morning, the child’s grandmother found out what had happened and rushed to the rescue. Mariama was saved.
This courageous grandmother confronted each challenge with admirable strength, striving to give her granddaughter a bright future. There were daily frustrations – the exhaustion of hard work, the difficulty in finding good nutrition for a few pennies, and the escalating ridicule of Mariama’s deformity.
As she grew, Mariama drew hope and strength from her grandmother’s courage. The little girl’s feisty nature emerged, giving her the determination to survive. A strong bond developed between the little girl and her grandmother, as they faced the daily battles together.
This bond is evident when her grandmother fondly remembers the times she held little Mariama’s hand as they strolled to the mosque, with the little girl skipping along beside her. With a smile, she recalls her decision to send the child to a Christian school which offered the best education. This was a grave sacrifice, but she graciously opened the door for Mariama to enter into another religion “…in support of the best learning opportunities for her future.”
At four years old, Mariama embraced Christianity with all of her heart. Her life was brightened by joyous bursts of gospel songs and flamboyant African dance. Her determination was now supported by her new faith. She believed whole-heartedly that God would heal her legs. It was just a small matter of timing.
One day her grandmother heard a radio jingle announcing Mercy Ships had arrived in Sierra Leone. At the medical screening Mariama received an incredible offer for treatment. There had never been such a whirl of excitement in their simple home as they prepared for the trip to the hospital ship.
A few days later they boarded the ship. The strange surroundings suddenly caused a wave of uneasiness for her grandmother and a feeling of vulnerability for Mariama. But her grandmother bravely stated, “It’s just a matter of walking through the storm.” However, there was no storm awaiting them. Instead, they were greeted by a room of smiling nurses who immediately swept them into a reassuring, compassionate world.
Mariama made an immediate impression. With her burgundy hair twisted into a pineapple ponytail, she mischievously peeped out from behind the hospital beds. For the first time, her charismatic personality took precedence over her usual determined fiery attitude. The world on the hospital ship was a wonderful place, even before the surgery. No one tormented her. She revelled in this new happiness.
After the surgery, Mariama experienced pain. Her legs were encased in thick casts restricting every movement. Her grandmother feared the little girl would never walk again – casting a new shadow of sadness on their spirits. Confused and frightened, Mariama angrily lashed out at all those caring for her.
But the continuous kindness and compassion dissipated her anger, and the pain subsided. Underneath her feisty persona, there was an abundance of love ready to share. As this love stirred up inside her heart, she began to sing her favorite gospel songs. With great delight, the other people on the ward joyfully joined in. The comforting music flowed over her, and her body responded in rhythmic African moves. In these moments, her heavy casts were no longer a burden.
Mariama determinedly practiced walking. Soon the casts were removed, and she prepared to return home.
Then an unexpected problem arose, marring the joy of going home. As Mariama’s health had been restored, her feet had grown. She had no shoes. Without shoes, she could not go to school.
On the last night before she went home, she received a surprise gift. A crew member gave her new pink sandals for school.
Mariama was elated! Her anger was long forgotten, and she was ready to tackle the world with love. And her happy grandmother just smiled and exclaimed, “Praise God!”
Story by Claire Ross
But God had a different plan for this beautiful life. The next morning, the child’s grandmother found out what had happened and rushed to the rescue. Mariama was saved.
This courageous grandmother confronted each challenge with admirable strength, striving to give her granddaughter a bright future. There were daily frustrations – the exhaustion of hard work, the difficulty in finding good nutrition for a few pennies, and the escalating ridicule of Mariama’s deformity.
As she grew, Mariama drew hope and strength from her grandmother’s courage. The little girl’s feisty nature emerged, giving her the determination to survive. A strong bond developed between the little girl and her grandmother, as they faced the daily battles together.
This bond is evident when her grandmother fondly remembers the times she held little Mariama’s hand as they strolled to the mosque, with the little girl skipping along beside her. With a smile, she recalls her decision to send the child to a Christian school which offered the best education. This was a grave sacrifice, but she graciously opened the door for Mariama to enter into another religion “…in support of the best learning opportunities for her future.”
At four years old, Mariama embraced Christianity with all of her heart. Her life was brightened by joyous bursts of gospel songs and flamboyant African dance. Her determination was now supported by her new faith. She believed whole-heartedly that God would heal her legs. It was just a small matter of timing.
One day her grandmother heard a radio jingle announcing Mercy Ships had arrived in Sierra Leone. At the medical screening Mariama received an incredible offer for treatment. There had never been such a whirl of excitement in their simple home as they prepared for the trip to the hospital ship.
A few days later they boarded the ship. The strange surroundings suddenly caused a wave of uneasiness for her grandmother and a feeling of vulnerability for Mariama. But her grandmother bravely stated, “It’s just a matter of walking through the storm.” However, there was no storm awaiting them. Instead, they were greeted by a room of smiling nurses who immediately swept them into a reassuring, compassionate world.
Mariama made an immediate impression. With her burgundy hair twisted into a pineapple ponytail, she mischievously peeped out from behind the hospital beds. For the first time, her charismatic personality took precedence over her usual determined fiery attitude. The world on the hospital ship was a wonderful place, even before the surgery. No one tormented her. She revelled in this new happiness.
After the surgery, Mariama experienced pain. Her legs were encased in thick casts restricting every movement. Her grandmother feared the little girl would never walk again – casting a new shadow of sadness on their spirits. Confused and frightened, Mariama angrily lashed out at all those caring for her.
But the continuous kindness and compassion dissipated her anger, and the pain subsided. Underneath her feisty persona, there was an abundance of love ready to share. As this love stirred up inside her heart, she began to sing her favorite gospel songs. With great delight, the other people on the ward joyfully joined in. The comforting music flowed over her, and her body responded in rhythmic African moves. In these moments, her heavy casts were no longer a burden.
Mariama determinedly practiced walking. Soon the casts were removed, and she prepared to return home.
Then an unexpected problem arose, marring the joy of going home. As Mariama’s health had been restored, her feet had grown. She had no shoes. Without shoes, she could not go to school.
On the last night before she went home, she received a surprise gift. A crew member gave her new pink sandals for school.
Mariama was elated! Her anger was long forgotten, and she was ready to tackle the world with love. And her happy grandmother just smiled and exclaimed, “Praise God!”
Story by Claire Ross
SIERRA LEONE - MAMADU HEALED
Mariama met her husband in a village in Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa. They were delighted when their first son was born. Mariama’s husband had a stable job as a butcher, and Mariama took care of the house and her baby son. Life was content.
Then the birth of their second son, Mamadu, changed their comfortable, typical routines into a daily struggle. He was born with a cleft lip. The West African culture is not kind to physical deformities, seeing them as a sign of a curse. As a result, Mamadu was rejected by society. His mother did her best to watch him at all times to keep him safe from mistreatment.
Wide-eyed little Mamadu only knew a life of fear. Apart from his immediate family, his only friend was a toy motor car. He would play with this toy for endless hours every day. It took him into his own make-believe world – where no one called him unforgiving names or kicked dust in his face. At the tender age of fifteen months, his future looked bleak.
But, one day, they received news that could change the course of Mamadu’s future forever. An uncle told Mariama about a children’s clinic in Aberdeen, Freetown. Even though it was a long journey taking several days, Mariama seized the opportunity and took Mamadu to the clinic. The doctor examined Mamadu and then relayed the disappointing news that he was unable to treat the condition.
Mariama tried to conceal her sadness as her hopes began to crumble. However, the doctor then smiled and handed her a leaflet telling her that Mercy Ships could heal her little son, and the ship had just arrived in Freetown.
Mamadu was accepted for treatment at the Mercy Ships screening day. Within a few weeks, the baby boy’s cleft lip was repaired by the world-class medical teams onboard the Africa Mercy. This hospital ship is unique in that all the crew are professional volunteers from around the globe. They share a desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus by healing the forgotten poor.
Mamadu’s Muslim family discovered a greater depth of happiness during their son’s treatment by Mercy Ships than they had ever experienced before. When it was time to go home, Mariama shared her determination to send Mamadu to school so that he will one day become a doctor. With a beaming smile, she added, “I am very happy. There is no longer daily stress. I am so thankful to Mercy Ships for what they have done.”
Then the birth of their second son, Mamadu, changed their comfortable, typical routines into a daily struggle. He was born with a cleft lip. The West African culture is not kind to physical deformities, seeing them as a sign of a curse. As a result, Mamadu was rejected by society. His mother did her best to watch him at all times to keep him safe from mistreatment.
Wide-eyed little Mamadu only knew a life of fear. Apart from his immediate family, his only friend was a toy motor car. He would play with this toy for endless hours every day. It took him into his own make-believe world – where no one called him unforgiving names or kicked dust in his face. At the tender age of fifteen months, his future looked bleak.
But, one day, they received news that could change the course of Mamadu’s future forever. An uncle told Mariama about a children’s clinic in Aberdeen, Freetown. Even though it was a long journey taking several days, Mariama seized the opportunity and took Mamadu to the clinic. The doctor examined Mamadu and then relayed the disappointing news that he was unable to treat the condition.
Mariama tried to conceal her sadness as her hopes began to crumble. However, the doctor then smiled and handed her a leaflet telling her that Mercy Ships could heal her little son, and the ship had just arrived in Freetown.
Mamadu was accepted for treatment at the Mercy Ships screening day. Within a few weeks, the baby boy’s cleft lip was repaired by the world-class medical teams onboard the Africa Mercy. This hospital ship is unique in that all the crew are professional volunteers from around the globe. They share a desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus by healing the forgotten poor.
Mamadu’s Muslim family discovered a greater depth of happiness during their son’s treatment by Mercy Ships than they had ever experienced before. When it was time to go home, Mariama shared her determination to send Mamadu to school so that he will one day become a doctor. With a beaming smile, she added, “I am very happy. There is no longer daily stress. I am so thankful to Mercy Ships for what they have done.”
SIERRA LEONE-BINTA'S CURSE IS LIFTED
Ten-year-old Binta Barrie lies in her hospital bed onboard the Africa Mercy clicking her fingers and smiling at everyone around her. Her cheerful attitude and smiling face cause all of the patients around her to laugh.
Binta was born with bowed legs, a problem easily correctable if proper medical care can be received, but in Sierra Leone proper medical care is hard or even impossible to find. Binta’s friends and neighbors laughed at her and mocked her because of her strange legs. When this happened, Binta would walk away to be by herself. In West Africa, bowed legs are usually seen as a curse instead of a medical condition. This made her family very sad. “I was not feeling fine,” said Binta’s older sister Marie.
One day Binta’s mother heard a radio announcement about a hospital ship that might be able to help Binta. She took her daughter to a Mercy Ships medical screening at a hospital in Kabala. Binta was delighted when she was accepted for surgery. She and her sister, Marie, traveled to the Africa Mercy, and Binta received a free surgery to correct her legs.
Even though Binta’s legs are still in casts, they are beautifully straight. When Binta goes home, she hopes to continue school and spend more time with her friends. She simply says, “When I go [home], I will be happy.”
Binta’s surgery has changed her life forever. Thanks to the doctors onboard the Africa Mercy she has a bright, happy, future ahead of her – a wonderful reason to smile!
Binta was born with bowed legs, a problem easily correctable if proper medical care can be received, but in Sierra Leone proper medical care is hard or even impossible to find. Binta’s friends and neighbors laughed at her and mocked her because of her strange legs. When this happened, Binta would walk away to be by herself. In West Africa, bowed legs are usually seen as a curse instead of a medical condition. This made her family very sad. “I was not feeling fine,” said Binta’s older sister Marie.
One day Binta’s mother heard a radio announcement about a hospital ship that might be able to help Binta. She took her daughter to a Mercy Ships medical screening at a hospital in Kabala. Binta was delighted when she was accepted for surgery. She and her sister, Marie, traveled to the Africa Mercy, and Binta received a free surgery to correct her legs.
Even though Binta’s legs are still in casts, they are beautifully straight. When Binta goes home, she hopes to continue school and spend more time with her friends. She simply says, “When I go [home], I will be happy.”
Binta’s surgery has changed her life forever. Thanks to the doctors onboard the Africa Mercy she has a bright, happy, future ahead of her – a wonderful reason to smile!
SIERRA LEONE ANESTHESIOLOGY CONFERENCE
Anesthesiology Conference
Consultant Anesthetist Dr. Keith Thomson, a Mercy Ships International Board Member and a regular short-term crew member from the UK, recently arranged the Second Anesthesiology Conference at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown,Sierra Leone. The three-day conference was locally organized by Dr. Michael Koroma, who heads the Anesthesia Department at Sierra Leone’s Department of Health and Sanitation, and Sister Florence Bull. Dr. Matt Walters was the UK coordinator of programs.
This refresher course for nurse anesthetists drew forty trained nurse anesthetists from hospitals around Sierra Leone. In addition to more than a dozen local trainees, a team of hand-picked health professionals traveled from the UK to help facilitate the program which was held in tandem with the conference for midwives.
The opening ceremony included an announcement of an essay competition with a monetary prize. Anesthetists and midwives met together for the morning session on the second day and then split into small workshops in the afternoon session. Workshops and demonstrations were held to assist health professionals in Sierra Leone to better utilize their current medical facilities and equipment. Attendees took part in demonstrations of possible situations, with trainers praising correct responses, correcting incorrect ones, and leading the group analysis of all responses. These hands-on workshops encouraged participation and demonstrated effective approaches to problems. Practicing the correct order of procedures ensures successful responses in real emergencies.
Subjects covered during the training included airway management, fluid and drug calculation, critical incidents for children, estimating blood loss, assessment of critically ill patients, circulation, coping with chest trauma, and utilizing team work to improve outcomes. On the third day of the conference, Dr. Thomson spoke on the job of an anesthetist, highlighting challenges.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Sahr Kpakiwa, considered to be the “father” of anesthesia in Sierra Leone, distributed certificates to all delegates. In addition, all attendees received a DVD of all presentations and a bag of disposable medical equipment.
The team facilitators/anesthetists from the UK included Dr. Keith Thomson, Dr. Ruth Broadbent, Dr. Steve Morris, Dr. Paul Theron, and Sister Dr. Sarah Davidson. The team facilitators/midwives were Louise Emmett, Rhiannon Grindle, Harriet Ivey, and Ruth Morris. Dr. Thomson’s daughter, Rebecca Thomson, a paramedic, assisted with administration. Mercy Ships Programs Director Keith Brinkman coordinated the team logistics.
Sponsors of the event included Mercy Ships, the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, The Shalimar Trust, and The Squirrels Trust.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Photos Debra Bell
Consultant Anesthetist Dr. Keith Thomson, a Mercy Ships International Board Member and a regular short-term crew member from the UK, recently arranged the Second Anesthesiology Conference at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown,Sierra Leone. The three-day conference was locally organized by Dr. Michael Koroma, who heads the Anesthesia Department at Sierra Leone’s Department of Health and Sanitation, and Sister Florence Bull. Dr. Matt Walters was the UK coordinator of programs.
This refresher course for nurse anesthetists drew forty trained nurse anesthetists from hospitals around Sierra Leone. In addition to more than a dozen local trainees, a team of hand-picked health professionals traveled from the UK to help facilitate the program which was held in tandem with the conference for midwives.
The opening ceremony included an announcement of an essay competition with a monetary prize. Anesthetists and midwives met together for the morning session on the second day and then split into small workshops in the afternoon session. Workshops and demonstrations were held to assist health professionals in Sierra Leone to better utilize their current medical facilities and equipment. Attendees took part in demonstrations of possible situations, with trainers praising correct responses, correcting incorrect ones, and leading the group analysis of all responses. These hands-on workshops encouraged participation and demonstrated effective approaches to problems. Practicing the correct order of procedures ensures successful responses in real emergencies.
Subjects covered during the training included airway management, fluid and drug calculation, critical incidents for children, estimating blood loss, assessment of critically ill patients, circulation, coping with chest trauma, and utilizing team work to improve outcomes. On the third day of the conference, Dr. Thomson spoke on the job of an anesthetist, highlighting challenges.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Sahr Kpakiwa, considered to be the “father” of anesthesia in Sierra Leone, distributed certificates to all delegates. In addition, all attendees received a DVD of all presentations and a bag of disposable medical equipment.
The team facilitators/anesthetists from the UK included Dr. Keith Thomson, Dr. Ruth Broadbent, Dr. Steve Morris, Dr. Paul Theron, and Sister Dr. Sarah Davidson. The team facilitators/midwives were Louise Emmett, Rhiannon Grindle, Harriet Ivey, and Ruth Morris. Dr. Thomson’s daughter, Rebecca Thomson, a paramedic, assisted with administration. Mercy Ships Programs Director Keith Brinkman coordinated the team logistics.
Sponsors of the event included Mercy Ships, the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, The Shalimar Trust, and The Squirrels Trust.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Photos Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE-MIDWIFERY CONFERENCE-HELP SAVE NEWBORNS
The three-day Anaesthesiology and Midwifery Conference in Freetown, Sierra Leone, was held at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, beginning March 14, 2011. The conference was founded and hosted by Dr. Keith Thomson (MB BS, DRCOG, FRCA Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist). This event attracted a total of 107 local participants and offered refresher medical training for common anaesthesiology and midwifery practices.
Conference facilitators consisted of a group of British medical staff comprised of anaesthetists, pediatricians, obstetricians and midwives. The midwifery team (Louise Emmett, Rhiannon Griddle, Harriet Ivey and Ruth Morris) from the United Kingdom’s Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (BNHHFT) were joined by Dr. Shona Johnston, a pediatrician working with VSO (Voluntary Services Abroad) and Dr. Jenneh Kpakiwa, a second-year obstetric trainee in Bremen, Germany.
The conference was funded by The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, The Shalimar Trust, and The Squirrels Trust. Local arrangements were made by Dr. Michael Koroma and Sister Florence Bull. Mercy Ships supported the event by providing accommodation and transport for the conference team.
Dr. Matthew Walters and Matron Louise Emmett, organizers of the conference content, opted for a practical approach – short introductory slideshow lectures from the UK doctors, followed by a series of role-playing workshops. This format developed understanding and knowledge of the best medical practices to follow in different medical scenarios, enabling the delegates to implement the procedures in their workplaces.
Participants also enjoyed fun motivational exercises to aid learning, such as an essay competition to write a job description for an Anaesthetist Nurse. The valuable prize was $20 (more than a respectable week’s wages in Sierra Leone).
Contrary to conferences organized in western countries where attendees pay a fee to attend, the reverse is true in Africa. Attendees are paid to visit the conference. For this event each attendee was offered $20 to cover expenses and to provide an incentive for participation.
Dr. Keith Thomson’s longstanding interest in Africa, including 20 years of involvement with Mercy Ships and various other conferences, was the inspiration for this event. He investigated the optimal format for this initiative through many years of lecturing at conferences across Europe. The first conferences he attended as a guest lecturer on anaesthesia were in Eastern Europe in 1996. In 1998 he hosted his first midwifery-themed conference in Lithuania. This led to a childbirth conference in The Baltics in 2006, closely followed by a midwifery event in Uganda, Africa, in 2008. Now he has combined anaesthesia and midwifery – a unique combination – as a joint topic in Freetown, Africa.
This fundamentally ground-breaking initiative by Dr. Keith Thompson recognized the commonality of patients who were generally not being prepped sufficiently or who evidenced symptoms which indicated a high risk for anaesthetic to be administered – especially when a caesarean section was considered.
Statistics reflect the alarming truth that there are minimal facilities available for childbirth in Sierra Leone. One in eight mothers die during childbirth. Unfortunately, detailed mortality statistics are not collated, so the situation may be significantly graver than the general statistics indicate.
To date, there are only three qualified anaesthesiologists for five million people. Therefore, emergency caesarean section procedures are a rare option. The sobering statistics also indicate challenging circumstances for midwives in Sierra Leone.
On many occasions when there are complications during labor, the midwife is guided by a doctor’s instructions on the phone. Generally, the communication is poor between the medical staff, and the communication to the patient is aptly described by Dr. Keith Thomson as “emotionally blunt.” In most cases, the medical care is a humiliating experience for mothers who are already in an emotional and vulnerable state during labor. This is clearly evident in reports of patients being laid on the operating table in a crucifixion position and stark naked.
The conference was designed with these issues in mind and focused on optimizing treatment – using the equipment, medical staff and facilities commonly available in Sierra Leone. Many lives will be saved if this training is implemented in the field.
In the midwifery workshops, the basic principles of how to deal with infection and hemorrhage were the main topics for role-playing and group discussions. The highlight was a demonstration of teamwork during the management of obstetric hemorrhage, including airway management and fluid and drug calculations. There was detailed explanation about identifying the source of blood loss leading to the symptoms for various types of critical conditions. Overall, the conference encouraged planning ahead – including maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies – in order to be prepared if a patient’s condition declines.
Although information about best medical practices was provided, advice was also given about what to do when there are no options available to meet best-practice criteria.
The factor that raised the most concern was the poor and minimal communication between medical staff and the mothers in labor. In Sierra Leone, it is a normal occurrence for medical professionals not to speak with their patients. In referring to local medical professionals, Dr. Jenneh Kpakiwa observed, “I think they were relatively capable for the most part ... what all of them seemed to think unimportant was communication. I got the impression (in our role- playing episodes) that patients are not really informed about anything at all.”
This is a terrifying prospect for the mothers in labor. The role-playing scripts demonstrated the type, quality and timing of essential information to relay to the patient – critical training in order to save lives.
Overall, the conference offered many benefits. First, the delegates had an opportunity to network with other local medical people in their field of work and with highly experienced medical staff from the U.K. Second, the knowledge provided to enhance assessment skills and earlier diagnosis will help prevent complications during monitored childbirth. Third, this increased success will, in turn, increase confidence in implementing best-practice procedures. This is important because the delegates will likely serve as trainers for the inexperienced staff in their workplaces. This transfer of knowledge will be easier thanks to the practice in effective communication offered during the role-playing workshops.
Of course, the most important benefit of the conference training is that more lives of mothers and newborn babies will be saved.
The conference was very well-received by the local medical professionals. Dr. Shona said, “I had a great time at the conference – it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed the two sessions that I helped with (ABC sick kids and neonatal resuscitation).”
Dr. Keith Thomson realizes that more young professional midwives are required to implement and sustain long-term training through conferences in Africa. If practicing midwives in other countries have roots or connections with Sierra Leone, there is an urgent need for them to return and set up clinics. This will provide more resources and raise the standard of medical care during childbirth.
In the meantime, Freetown embraced this valuable opportunity. Hopefully, the implementation of the knowledge from this conference, training offered by future conferences, and the desired arrival of international midwives will help improve the mortality rate of newborn babies in Sierra Leone.
Story by Claire Ross
Photos by Debra Bell
Conference facilitators consisted of a group of British medical staff comprised of anaesthetists, pediatricians, obstetricians and midwives. The midwifery team (Louise Emmett, Rhiannon Griddle, Harriet Ivey and Ruth Morris) from the United Kingdom’s Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (BNHHFT) were joined by Dr. Shona Johnston, a pediatrician working with VSO (Voluntary Services Abroad) and Dr. Jenneh Kpakiwa, a second-year obstetric trainee in Bremen, Germany.
The conference was funded by The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, The Shalimar Trust, and The Squirrels Trust. Local arrangements were made by Dr. Michael Koroma and Sister Florence Bull. Mercy Ships supported the event by providing accommodation and transport for the conference team.
Dr. Matthew Walters and Matron Louise Emmett, organizers of the conference content, opted for a practical approach – short introductory slideshow lectures from the UK doctors, followed by a series of role-playing workshops. This format developed understanding and knowledge of the best medical practices to follow in different medical scenarios, enabling the delegates to implement the procedures in their workplaces.
Participants also enjoyed fun motivational exercises to aid learning, such as an essay competition to write a job description for an Anaesthetist Nurse. The valuable prize was $20 (more than a respectable week’s wages in Sierra Leone).
Contrary to conferences organized in western countries where attendees pay a fee to attend, the reverse is true in Africa. Attendees are paid to visit the conference. For this event each attendee was offered $20 to cover expenses and to provide an incentive for participation.
Dr. Keith Thomson’s longstanding interest in Africa, including 20 years of involvement with Mercy Ships and various other conferences, was the inspiration for this event. He investigated the optimal format for this initiative through many years of lecturing at conferences across Europe. The first conferences he attended as a guest lecturer on anaesthesia were in Eastern Europe in 1996. In 1998 he hosted his first midwifery-themed conference in Lithuania. This led to a childbirth conference in The Baltics in 2006, closely followed by a midwifery event in Uganda, Africa, in 2008. Now he has combined anaesthesia and midwifery – a unique combination – as a joint topic in Freetown, Africa.
This fundamentally ground-breaking initiative by Dr. Keith Thompson recognized the commonality of patients who were generally not being prepped sufficiently or who evidenced symptoms which indicated a high risk for anaesthetic to be administered – especially when a caesarean section was considered.
Statistics reflect the alarming truth that there are minimal facilities available for childbirth in Sierra Leone. One in eight mothers die during childbirth. Unfortunately, detailed mortality statistics are not collated, so the situation may be significantly graver than the general statistics indicate.
To date, there are only three qualified anaesthesiologists for five million people. Therefore, emergency caesarean section procedures are a rare option. The sobering statistics also indicate challenging circumstances for midwives in Sierra Leone.
On many occasions when there are complications during labor, the midwife is guided by a doctor’s instructions on the phone. Generally, the communication is poor between the medical staff, and the communication to the patient is aptly described by Dr. Keith Thomson as “emotionally blunt.” In most cases, the medical care is a humiliating experience for mothers who are already in an emotional and vulnerable state during labor. This is clearly evident in reports of patients being laid on the operating table in a crucifixion position and stark naked.
The conference was designed with these issues in mind and focused on optimizing treatment – using the equipment, medical staff and facilities commonly available in Sierra Leone. Many lives will be saved if this training is implemented in the field.
In the midwifery workshops, the basic principles of how to deal with infection and hemorrhage were the main topics for role-playing and group discussions. The highlight was a demonstration of teamwork during the management of obstetric hemorrhage, including airway management and fluid and drug calculations. There was detailed explanation about identifying the source of blood loss leading to the symptoms for various types of critical conditions. Overall, the conference encouraged planning ahead – including maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies – in order to be prepared if a patient’s condition declines.
Although information about best medical practices was provided, advice was also given about what to do when there are no options available to meet best-practice criteria.
The factor that raised the most concern was the poor and minimal communication between medical staff and the mothers in labor. In Sierra Leone, it is a normal occurrence for medical professionals not to speak with their patients. In referring to local medical professionals, Dr. Jenneh Kpakiwa observed, “I think they were relatively capable for the most part ... what all of them seemed to think unimportant was communication. I got the impression (in our role- playing episodes) that patients are not really informed about anything at all.”
This is a terrifying prospect for the mothers in labor. The role-playing scripts demonstrated the type, quality and timing of essential information to relay to the patient – critical training in order to save lives.
Overall, the conference offered many benefits. First, the delegates had an opportunity to network with other local medical people in their field of work and with highly experienced medical staff from the U.K. Second, the knowledge provided to enhance assessment skills and earlier diagnosis will help prevent complications during monitored childbirth. Third, this increased success will, in turn, increase confidence in implementing best-practice procedures. This is important because the delegates will likely serve as trainers for the inexperienced staff in their workplaces. This transfer of knowledge will be easier thanks to the practice in effective communication offered during the role-playing workshops.
Of course, the most important benefit of the conference training is that more lives of mothers and newborn babies will be saved.
The conference was very well-received by the local medical professionals. Dr. Shona said, “I had a great time at the conference – it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed the two sessions that I helped with (ABC sick kids and neonatal resuscitation).”
Dr. Keith Thomson realizes that more young professional midwives are required to implement and sustain long-term training through conferences in Africa. If practicing midwives in other countries have roots or connections with Sierra Leone, there is an urgent need for them to return and set up clinics. This will provide more resources and raise the standard of medical care during childbirth.
In the meantime, Freetown embraced this valuable opportunity. Hopefully, the implementation of the knowledge from this conference, training offered by future conferences, and the desired arrival of international midwives will help improve the mortality rate of newborn babies in Sierra Leone.
Story by Claire Ross
Photos by Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE HEALTH ED-TRAINING FOR LIFETIME
In a paradise of rolling hills with luscious green vegetation and rich terracotta soils, there is a formidable enemy – death. Tragically, children are its most vulnerable targets.
This is Sierra Leone, with a population of 4.7 million, primarily threatened by hopelessly poor sanitation and inadequate medical facilities, combined with lack of knowledge of basic hygiene. Sadly, the most common cause of death is diarrhea as a result of swallowing harmful bacteria – bacteria often associated with poor sanitation.
The logical conclusion is that maintaining good hygiene and nutrition is the key element in protecting lives. This is especially important in consideration of the limited medical facilities available. According to the World Health Organization, there are only five main hospitals. There are a handful of satellite hospitals in the towns, supported by twelve district hospitals in the provinces.
The realities of these statistics have become increasingly evident during many of the previous Mercy Ships Field Services. There have been numerous occasions when medical crew extended their roles in order to provide basic health care advice to patients. On a floating hospital ship that relies on professional volunteers, every second counts in bringing hope and healing to the West African nations. Therefore, it was quickly recognized that health education was a valuable need, and an off-ship Health Education Program was designed for patients. The program’s coordinator is Becca Taylor.
The program takes a preventative approach to health by promoting an understanding of a variety of topics – hygiene, nutrition, causes / treatment of diarrhea, basic first aid, malaria prevention and common diseases such as measles.
Considering the minimal and often desperately poor medical facilities available in Sierra Leone, this basic health education offers a lifeline – especially for the children. The 2010 report from the World Health Organization stated that one child out of five does not reach his or her fifth birthday.
The hospitality unit at the HOPE Centre provides pre-op and post-op patient care, and it is the chosen location for the health education training. Often the patients are not immediately aware of the importance of the lessons. They are usually motivated to attend due to curiosity or their relationship with the trainer. Thus, it is very important that the class format is designed to keep them engaged and focused.
All the training consists of basic information relayed through informal presentations, demonstrations and activities. The practical element is critical for the patients’ involvement as this will teach them skills to implement at home. Adding fun and laughter to an interactive approach motivates the patients to listen and learn.
For instance, one training session used the shower rooms to demonstrate how to use the water to wash bodies and clothes, as well as advice about hygienic toilet training for small children. This training was aided by pictures on the wall and fun props such as a brightly colored shower cap (an item not widely available locally).
Another session presented the importance of cleaning hands, including the concept of transferring germs. One presenter dipped his hands in flour and started touching objects and shaking the patients’ hands. The doughy white-powdered handprints were a visual illustration of the transference of germs when people forget to wash their hands. The presentation closed with a demonstration of the hand actions required to wash all the germs away accompanied by a hearty rendition of the song “Tenki Papa God” (“Thank You, Father God”).
Then the fun escalated as the practical activity began. The patients were required to wet their hands, plunge their hands into a large bowl of flour, and then tour the garden to leave white handprints on colored paper in various locations. After the tour, they lined up at the garden tap to give their hands a good scrub with soap to remove the half-dried, sticky flour mixture – again while singing a 20-second verse of “Tenki Papa God.” The activity closed with a group photo of arm-waving, laughing participants.
This positive communication and interaction will help patients remember the valuable lessons. Then they can take their new-found knowledge home and apply it to their families. In this way, they can prevent or minimize illness . . . or maybe even contribute to saving the life of a loved one!
Story by Claire Ross
Photos by Debra Bell
This is Sierra Leone, with a population of 4.7 million, primarily threatened by hopelessly poor sanitation and inadequate medical facilities, combined with lack of knowledge of basic hygiene. Sadly, the most common cause of death is diarrhea as a result of swallowing harmful bacteria – bacteria often associated with poor sanitation.
The logical conclusion is that maintaining good hygiene and nutrition is the key element in protecting lives. This is especially important in consideration of the limited medical facilities available. According to the World Health Organization, there are only five main hospitals. There are a handful of satellite hospitals in the towns, supported by twelve district hospitals in the provinces.
The realities of these statistics have become increasingly evident during many of the previous Mercy Ships Field Services. There have been numerous occasions when medical crew extended their roles in order to provide basic health care advice to patients. On a floating hospital ship that relies on professional volunteers, every second counts in bringing hope and healing to the West African nations. Therefore, it was quickly recognized that health education was a valuable need, and an off-ship Health Education Program was designed for patients. The program’s coordinator is Becca Taylor.
The program takes a preventative approach to health by promoting an understanding of a variety of topics – hygiene, nutrition, causes / treatment of diarrhea, basic first aid, malaria prevention and common diseases such as measles.
Considering the minimal and often desperately poor medical facilities available in Sierra Leone, this basic health education offers a lifeline – especially for the children. The 2010 report from the World Health Organization stated that one child out of five does not reach his or her fifth birthday.
The hospitality unit at the HOPE Centre provides pre-op and post-op patient care, and it is the chosen location for the health education training. Often the patients are not immediately aware of the importance of the lessons. They are usually motivated to attend due to curiosity or their relationship with the trainer. Thus, it is very important that the class format is designed to keep them engaged and focused.
All the training consists of basic information relayed through informal presentations, demonstrations and activities. The practical element is critical for the patients’ involvement as this will teach them skills to implement at home. Adding fun and laughter to an interactive approach motivates the patients to listen and learn.
For instance, one training session used the shower rooms to demonstrate how to use the water to wash bodies and clothes, as well as advice about hygienic toilet training for small children. This training was aided by pictures on the wall and fun props such as a brightly colored shower cap (an item not widely available locally).
Another session presented the importance of cleaning hands, including the concept of transferring germs. One presenter dipped his hands in flour and started touching objects and shaking the patients’ hands. The doughy white-powdered handprints were a visual illustration of the transference of germs when people forget to wash their hands. The presentation closed with a demonstration of the hand actions required to wash all the germs away accompanied by a hearty rendition of the song “Tenki Papa God” (“Thank You, Father God”).
Then the fun escalated as the practical activity began. The patients were required to wet their hands, plunge their hands into a large bowl of flour, and then tour the garden to leave white handprints on colored paper in various locations. After the tour, they lined up at the garden tap to give their hands a good scrub with soap to remove the half-dried, sticky flour mixture – again while singing a 20-second verse of “Tenki Papa God.” The activity closed with a group photo of arm-waving, laughing participants.
This positive communication and interaction will help patients remember the valuable lessons. Then they can take their new-found knowledge home and apply it to their families. In this way, they can prevent or minimize illness . . . or maybe even contribute to saving the life of a loved one!
Story by Claire Ross
Photos by Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE - ISATU BLOOMING FLOWER
Isatu Konteh (Kondeh)
For the better part of a day, Isatu sat on her hospital bed staring at the reflection of her face in the small mirror in her hand. Despite the three thin strips of translucent bandage, she could see that the volunteer doctors on the Africa Mercy had corrected the cleft lip that had kept her isolated from people her whole life. She was amazed! She could hardly grasp the fact that she would now smile like everyone else.
Isatu was born with a cleft lip that created an unpleasant, even angry, expression on her face. It disrupted her upper lip and front teeth . . . and her entire life.
Isatu had spent her thirteen years at home, helping her mother keep house for the family, which included a sister and two brothers. Since West African culture views deformities as a sign of a curse, the cleft lip prevented Isatu from making friends and going to school. Would she ever be able to have a real life?
Then hope appeared in the form of a radio advertisement. A Mercy Ship was coming to Sierra Leone, bringing surgeons who could fix cleft lips. Isatu was delighted.
At the Mercy Ships medical screening, Isatu’s father described her as a very friendly girl who is a big help at home. But she sat expressionless as he spoke. Her father answered all questions for her. Quiet and withdrawn, she did not speak to anyone – a defense mechanism learned from years of being shunned.
Isatu was the first patient to receive the priceless appointment card for cleft lip surgery in the Sierra Leone Field Service. And what a difference the surgery made in her life! Almost overnight, she was transformed from a very somber young lady to one who giggled about everything. She bloomed like a lovely flower, making friends among the patients recuperating in the ward. The successful cleft lip surgery gave her a whole new perspective on herself and on her life . . . evident in the beautiful new smile she generously bestowed on everyone.
When Isatu’s brother arrived to take her home, his delight with Isatu’s successful surgery was obvious. He hugged her, and she reveled in his attention. He even revealed that because of the difference the surgery made, Isatu’s father plans to enroll her in adult education classes, followed by training to become a seamstress. Isatu beamed as she realized she would soon be preparing for a productive life.
With pride and affection, her brother said, “Now she can get married and have a family.” Getting married and having children is of prime importance to young women in Sierra Leone – a goal previously prohibited by Isatu’s cleft lip.
It is no wonder Isatu’s first words after surgery were, “I’m happy now.”
For the better part of a day, Isatu sat on her hospital bed staring at the reflection of her face in the small mirror in her hand. Despite the three thin strips of translucent bandage, she could see that the volunteer doctors on the Africa Mercy had corrected the cleft lip that had kept her isolated from people her whole life. She was amazed! She could hardly grasp the fact that she would now smile like everyone else.
Isatu was born with a cleft lip that created an unpleasant, even angry, expression on her face. It disrupted her upper lip and front teeth . . . and her entire life.
Isatu had spent her thirteen years at home, helping her mother keep house for the family, which included a sister and two brothers. Since West African culture views deformities as a sign of a curse, the cleft lip prevented Isatu from making friends and going to school. Would she ever be able to have a real life?
Then hope appeared in the form of a radio advertisement. A Mercy Ship was coming to Sierra Leone, bringing surgeons who could fix cleft lips. Isatu was delighted.
At the Mercy Ships medical screening, Isatu’s father described her as a very friendly girl who is a big help at home. But she sat expressionless as he spoke. Her father answered all questions for her. Quiet and withdrawn, she did not speak to anyone – a defense mechanism learned from years of being shunned.
Isatu was the first patient to receive the priceless appointment card for cleft lip surgery in the Sierra Leone Field Service. And what a difference the surgery made in her life! Almost overnight, she was transformed from a very somber young lady to one who giggled about everything. She bloomed like a lovely flower, making friends among the patients recuperating in the ward. The successful cleft lip surgery gave her a whole new perspective on herself and on her life . . . evident in the beautiful new smile she generously bestowed on everyone.
When Isatu’s brother arrived to take her home, his delight with Isatu’s successful surgery was obvious. He hugged her, and she reveled in his attention. He even revealed that because of the difference the surgery made, Isatu’s father plans to enroll her in adult education classes, followed by training to become a seamstress. Isatu beamed as she realized she would soon be preparing for a productive life.
With pride and affection, her brother said, “Now she can get married and have a family.” Getting married and having children is of prime importance to young women in Sierra Leone – a goal previously prohibited by Isatu’s cleft lip.
It is no wonder Isatu’s first words after surgery were, “I’m happy now.”
SIERRA LEONE - BABY BARBRA
Baby Barbara Receives Life
Chapter 1
Babies born with deformities in West Africa start life as victims of the West African superstition that abnormalities are signs of a curse. When Barbara was born with a cleft lip that extended up into her nasal cavity, her father pronounced that she was a “demon child.” He ordered his wife to take the tiny infant into the bush and leave her for dead.
Barbara’s brave mother, Aminata, refused to abandon her child. As a result, she was thrown out of her house and moved in with her sister. Without a way to support her family, Aminata was forced to separate her four other children and send them to homes of other relatives.
Broken and devastated, Aminata had reached her darkest, lowest point. Then God stepped in and brought a ray of light. One day Aminata met a woman who said that Barbara was not a “demon child.” She also said that Mercy Ships would arrive in Sierra Leone in just a few weeks. Volunteer surgeons onboard the Africa Mercy could fix the baby’s lip – for free!
Barbara’s weight was drastically low because her cleft lip prevented her from getting the nutrition she so desperately needed. In fact she weighted less than 4 kilograms (8.4 pounds). On top of that, she had contracted tuberculosis and was placed on a TB program at a local hospital.
Shortly after the Africa Mercy arrived in Sierra Leone, Barbara was accepted for cleft surgery. However, because she was below the acceptable weight for surgery, she was enrolled in the Infant Feeding Program. Nurse Melissa Davey, of Philadelphia, was able to teach Aminata a different feeding method to ensure weight gain for the tiny child.
Currently, Baby Barbara comes to the ship for weekly check-ups. She is slowly gaining weight, despite all her problems. Soon she should be ready to meet the surgeon who will repair her cleft lip – and “erase” her curse – and give her a beautiful new smile!
Chapter 1
Babies born with deformities in West Africa start life as victims of the West African superstition that abnormalities are signs of a curse. When Barbara was born with a cleft lip that extended up into her nasal cavity, her father pronounced that she was a “demon child.” He ordered his wife to take the tiny infant into the bush and leave her for dead.
Barbara’s brave mother, Aminata, refused to abandon her child. As a result, she was thrown out of her house and moved in with her sister. Without a way to support her family, Aminata was forced to separate her four other children and send them to homes of other relatives.
Broken and devastated, Aminata had reached her darkest, lowest point. Then God stepped in and brought a ray of light. One day Aminata met a woman who said that Barbara was not a “demon child.” She also said that Mercy Ships would arrive in Sierra Leone in just a few weeks. Volunteer surgeons onboard the Africa Mercy could fix the baby’s lip – for free!
Barbara’s weight was drastically low because her cleft lip prevented her from getting the nutrition she so desperately needed. In fact she weighted less than 4 kilograms (8.4 pounds). On top of that, she had contracted tuberculosis and was placed on a TB program at a local hospital.
Shortly after the Africa Mercy arrived in Sierra Leone, Barbara was accepted for cleft surgery. However, because she was below the acceptable weight for surgery, she was enrolled in the Infant Feeding Program. Nurse Melissa Davey, of Philadelphia, was able to teach Aminata a different feeding method to ensure weight gain for the tiny child.
Currently, Baby Barbara comes to the ship for weekly check-ups. She is slowly gaining weight, despite all her problems. Soon she should be ready to meet the surgeon who will repair her cleft lip – and “erase” her curse – and give her a beautiful new smile!
SIERRA LEONE - QUEEN SALLY
“Sometimes, I would just sit down and cry,” said Sally with great emotion. For seventeen years, people laughed at her and mocked her because of her legs – horribly misshapen and knock-kneed. The constant verbal abuse made her feel ashamed. Walking was difficult and tiring, so she didn’t go to school. She just stayed at home in her misery.
The problem was caused by an automobile accident when she was only ten years old. A witch doctor blanketed her legs with a native concoction of boiled leaves. Splints of wooden sticks were tied to her legs for three months. But nothing changed; she returned home with bent legs. Without money for surgery, she had to learn to live with her disability.
Three years ago, Sally’s parents died. Since she had no siblings, she went to live with a friend. Her friend found a mentor to teach Sally to sew, and she eventually went to work at a dressmaker’s shop. In fact, she hopes to own her own shop some day.
A new friend at work told her that a Mercy Ship, offering orthopedic surgeries at no charge, would soon be in Sierra Leone. She encouraged Sally to go to the screening. The volunteer surgeons on the Africa Mercy surgically repaired her legs and put them in casts.
When she awoke in the ward, she was delighted to see that her legs were both straight in the casts. But when her casts were changed, she was ecstatic. “I could SEE my legs were straight!” said Sally with a brilliant smile. “It’s like a dream, and I’m an angel that can walk on straight legs!”
While Sally was recuperating from surgery, she received some very special guests – the wives of the President and Vice President of Sierra Leone! The moment was captured by a photographer and printed in the local paper. This was a highlight for all the patients in the ward, who dubbed her “Queen Sally.” She had never received such recognition before and thoroughly enjoyed the reflected glory of the event. It was a great start in helping Sally think of herself in a new and more positive light.
Another bonus of the surgery is that her straightened legs add height to her physical stature. When she walked on her bandaged legs for the first time, she exclaimed, “I’m so amazed! I used to be a short somebody. Now, I’m tall!”
A free surgery revolutionized the life of this young woman with the bubbly personality. Sally already knows what she will do first upon being released from the hospital ship. “I want to give my testimony at church of what Mercy Ships did for me,” she states firmly. “If it were not for Mercy Ships, I was going to die with legs like that, because I had no money. I was mocked every place I went. I’m thanking God for what He has done for me, and I’m asking Him to bless you people.”
Story by Elaine Winn
Photos by Debra Bell
The problem was caused by an automobile accident when she was only ten years old. A witch doctor blanketed her legs with a native concoction of boiled leaves. Splints of wooden sticks were tied to her legs for three months. But nothing changed; she returned home with bent legs. Without money for surgery, she had to learn to live with her disability.
Three years ago, Sally’s parents died. Since she had no siblings, she went to live with a friend. Her friend found a mentor to teach Sally to sew, and she eventually went to work at a dressmaker’s shop. In fact, she hopes to own her own shop some day.
A new friend at work told her that a Mercy Ship, offering orthopedic surgeries at no charge, would soon be in Sierra Leone. She encouraged Sally to go to the screening. The volunteer surgeons on the Africa Mercy surgically repaired her legs and put them in casts.
When she awoke in the ward, she was delighted to see that her legs were both straight in the casts. But when her casts were changed, she was ecstatic. “I could SEE my legs were straight!” said Sally with a brilliant smile. “It’s like a dream, and I’m an angel that can walk on straight legs!”
While Sally was recuperating from surgery, she received some very special guests – the wives of the President and Vice President of Sierra Leone! The moment was captured by a photographer and printed in the local paper. This was a highlight for all the patients in the ward, who dubbed her “Queen Sally.” She had never received such recognition before and thoroughly enjoyed the reflected glory of the event. It was a great start in helping Sally think of herself in a new and more positive light.
Another bonus of the surgery is that her straightened legs add height to her physical stature. When she walked on her bandaged legs for the first time, she exclaimed, “I’m so amazed! I used to be a short somebody. Now, I’m tall!”
A free surgery revolutionized the life of this young woman with the bubbly personality. Sally already knows what she will do first upon being released from the hospital ship. “I want to give my testimony at church of what Mercy Ships did for me,” she states firmly. “If it were not for Mercy Ships, I was going to die with legs like that, because I had no money. I was mocked every place I went. I’m thanking God for what He has done for me, and I’m asking Him to bless you people.”
Story by Elaine Winn
Photos by Debra Bell
SIERRA LEONE JOSEPHINE STONE FREE
JOSEPHINE-GOD NEVER SLEEPS
Two-year-old Josephine inhaled something that affected her breathing. Her parents, David and Judith, could hear the rattle with every struggling breath. They took her to a local clinic which sent them to an emergency hospital . . . which sent them to a government hospital . . . which sent them to a satellite clinic . . . which sent them back to the government hospital. After five days in the government hospital, specialist Dr. Karim Kabineh told them that Josephine was so tiny that she would die if he performed the necessary operation. He needed a pediatric anesthetist, anesthesia equipment, and a critical care unit with 24-hour nursing care – all unavailable at that hospital.
After eight days of hopeless searching for help, the desperate parents took Josephine to the office of the Minister of Health, where David hoped to plead his case and find someone who could help. At that moment – in the miracle of God’s timing – Ann Gloag, a member of the Mercy Ships International Board who is well-known for her charity work in Africa, was meeting with the Minister.
As this compassionate woman walked by the family sitting in the reception area, she heard the labored breathing of little Josephine. She put in a call to Dr. Gary Parker, Chief Medical Officer onboard the Africa Mercy, the hospital ship docked a short distance away in Freetown Harbor. After explaining to him what appeared to be the problem, arrangements were made to use an ambulance to transport Josephine, her parents and Dr. Kabineh to the ship.
Dr. Gary examined Josephine, took x-rays and discovered a small stone lodged in the little girl’s bronchus. A virtual think tank was begun to find a way to remove the stone from her tiny body. Dr.Gary approached engineering to see if a medical device could be fashioned that would be the right shape to fit into the bronchoscope and retrieve the stone. Every plausible idea was examined and eventually rejected.
Dr. Gary and Dr. Kabineh worked for five hours trying to remove the stone without success. Dr. Gary called Ann back to explain that what Josephine needed was a cardiac thoracic surgeon, and there wasn’t one on the ship. David was devastated. Mercy Ships was his last hope. But crew member Clementine Tengue encouraged him, saying, “God will find a way.”
Josephine was admitted to the intensive care unit with 24-hour care. About 3:00 am, ICU Nurse Melissa Warner was working the night shift when Josephine lost her breathing tube. Her vital signs were crashing. Dr. Michelle White, the pediatric *anesthetist/ anesthesiologist, was paged, but it would take her several minutes to respond. “In my mind, I said ‘I need help!’”Melissa said. “And when I looked up, there was Corina Buth standing in the doorway in her pajamas!” Corina, a pediatric ICU nurse from the Netherlands, had been restless and couldn’t sleep. Corina did CPR, and Josephine’s vital signs returned to normal. Then Dr. Michelle arrived and replaced the breathing tube.
Josephine’s condition was rapidly deteriorating. Analysis was made of the hospitals nearby. Ghana had the required surgeon, but he was absent at that time, and the travel expense to South Africa was prohibitive.
Meanwhile, Ann had phoned a professor friend of hers in Nairobi and explained that she needed a pediatric cardiac thoracic surgeon who could fly to Sierra Leone right away. The professor knew just the right man – Dr. James Munene, head of cardiac surgery at Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital. Although it was quite late, he phoned Dr. James, explained the problem and asked him to go to Sierra Leone to operate on Josephine.
“Wait!” Dr. James said, rather forcefully. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Just talk to this lady,” the professor responded.
Ann called a few minutes later and told the doctor he needed to fly immediately to Freetown where his skills were urgently needed.
“I was a bit reluctant,” said Dr. Munene. “I had never heard of Mercy Ships. I had no information on this case, and it was the middle of the night!”
Ann called back with information on his flight. “Be at the airport at 6:00 a.m.,” she said.
“It was a little difficult to say no to the lady. I told my wife, ‘I guess I’m going to Sierra Leone in the morning,’” Dr. Munene said.
Then Dr. Gary called to say he was emailing information and x-rays of Josephine.
“I was thinking, ‘It’s not happening! It didn’t sound real!’ But by 1:00 a.m., I had the ticket and all the necessary papers ... and there I was at the airport at 6:00 a.m..,” explained Dr. James.
This confident specialist with the gentle demeanor landed at Lungi Airport, not yet totally comprehending the situation. And he still had to endure the bumpy boat ride across the bay to Freetown. “It was surreal!” he admitted.
Dr. James was overwhelmed by the Africa Mercy, the more than 400 crew members volunteering from 35 different countries, and the concept of bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor. He couldn’t believe such a mission could have been in operation for so many years, and he didn’t know anything about it.
Teaming with Dr. Gary, Dr. James operated on Josephine, fishing the stone out of her bronchus with ease. Because Josephine was so tiny, it was a vital requirement to have a pediatric anesthetist as part of the team. Dr. Michelle White was serving in this capacity at the time and was a vital part of the team. “Working with such a tiny body, I wouldn’t have proceeded without her,” said Dr. James.
Josephine awoke shortly after the surgery and sat up on the gurney all the way to the Intensive Care Unit, looking around and asking for a glass of water. To everyone’s surprise, she was anxious to eat right away. After a few days of recuperating in the ICU – and enjoying the attention of the nurses and other crew members – the little girl and her grateful parents left the ship
In reviewing this story, it is amazing to see the many things that had to happen for this tiny girl to survive. Her parents had to keep her alive for eight days after she inhaled the stone. Ann Gloag had to be visiting the office of the Minister of Health at the same time that David, Judith, and Josephine were there. Dr. James Munene had to agree to perform a surgery for an organization of which he had never heard; and Nurse Corina had to be drawn to the ICU because she couldn’t sleep. This incredible timing and all of these wonderful people were part of the miracle that allowed Josephine to grin happily as she left the Africa Mercy as a healthy little girl.
Dr. James was captivated by the mission and hopes to return to volunteer his services. “Really, it’s a privilege to come and see what people are doing while others are sleeping and doing nothing,” he said.
And God never sleeps – miracles still happen every day. Sometimes we are blessed to be a part of them.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Photos Debra Bell
Two-year-old Josephine inhaled something that affected her breathing. Her parents, David and Judith, could hear the rattle with every struggling breath. They took her to a local clinic which sent them to an emergency hospital . . . which sent them to a government hospital . . . which sent them to a satellite clinic . . . which sent them back to the government hospital. After five days in the government hospital, specialist Dr. Karim Kabineh told them that Josephine was so tiny that she would die if he performed the necessary operation. He needed a pediatric anesthetist, anesthesia equipment, and a critical care unit with 24-hour nursing care – all unavailable at that hospital.
After eight days of hopeless searching for help, the desperate parents took Josephine to the office of the Minister of Health, where David hoped to plead his case and find someone who could help. At that moment – in the miracle of God’s timing – Ann Gloag, a member of the Mercy Ships International Board who is well-known for her charity work in Africa, was meeting with the Minister.
As this compassionate woman walked by the family sitting in the reception area, she heard the labored breathing of little Josephine. She put in a call to Dr. Gary Parker, Chief Medical Officer onboard the Africa Mercy, the hospital ship docked a short distance away in Freetown Harbor. After explaining to him what appeared to be the problem, arrangements were made to use an ambulance to transport Josephine, her parents and Dr. Kabineh to the ship.
Dr. Gary examined Josephine, took x-rays and discovered a small stone lodged in the little girl’s bronchus. A virtual think tank was begun to find a way to remove the stone from her tiny body. Dr.Gary approached engineering to see if a medical device could be fashioned that would be the right shape to fit into the bronchoscope and retrieve the stone. Every plausible idea was examined and eventually rejected.
Dr. Gary and Dr. Kabineh worked for five hours trying to remove the stone without success. Dr. Gary called Ann back to explain that what Josephine needed was a cardiac thoracic surgeon, and there wasn’t one on the ship. David was devastated. Mercy Ships was his last hope. But crew member Clementine Tengue encouraged him, saying, “God will find a way.”
Josephine was admitted to the intensive care unit with 24-hour care. About 3:00 am, ICU Nurse Melissa Warner was working the night shift when Josephine lost her breathing tube. Her vital signs were crashing. Dr. Michelle White, the pediatric *anesthetist/ anesthesiologist, was paged, but it would take her several minutes to respond. “In my mind, I said ‘I need help!’”Melissa said. “And when I looked up, there was Corina Buth standing in the doorway in her pajamas!” Corina, a pediatric ICU nurse from the Netherlands, had been restless and couldn’t sleep. Corina did CPR, and Josephine’s vital signs returned to normal. Then Dr. Michelle arrived and replaced the breathing tube.
Josephine’s condition was rapidly deteriorating. Analysis was made of the hospitals nearby. Ghana had the required surgeon, but he was absent at that time, and the travel expense to South Africa was prohibitive.
Meanwhile, Ann had phoned a professor friend of hers in Nairobi and explained that she needed a pediatric cardiac thoracic surgeon who could fly to Sierra Leone right away. The professor knew just the right man – Dr. James Munene, head of cardiac surgery at Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital. Although it was quite late, he phoned Dr. James, explained the problem and asked him to go to Sierra Leone to operate on Josephine.
“Wait!” Dr. James said, rather forcefully. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Just talk to this lady,” the professor responded.
Ann called a few minutes later and told the doctor he needed to fly immediately to Freetown where his skills were urgently needed.
“I was a bit reluctant,” said Dr. Munene. “I had never heard of Mercy Ships. I had no information on this case, and it was the middle of the night!”
Ann called back with information on his flight. “Be at the airport at 6:00 a.m.,” she said.
“It was a little difficult to say no to the lady. I told my wife, ‘I guess I’m going to Sierra Leone in the morning,’” Dr. Munene said.
Then Dr. Gary called to say he was emailing information and x-rays of Josephine.
“I was thinking, ‘It’s not happening! It didn’t sound real!’ But by 1:00 a.m., I had the ticket and all the necessary papers ... and there I was at the airport at 6:00 a.m..,” explained Dr. James.
This confident specialist with the gentle demeanor landed at Lungi Airport, not yet totally comprehending the situation. And he still had to endure the bumpy boat ride across the bay to Freetown. “It was surreal!” he admitted.
Dr. James was overwhelmed by the Africa Mercy, the more than 400 crew members volunteering from 35 different countries, and the concept of bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor. He couldn’t believe such a mission could have been in operation for so many years, and he didn’t know anything about it.
Teaming with Dr. Gary, Dr. James operated on Josephine, fishing the stone out of her bronchus with ease. Because Josephine was so tiny, it was a vital requirement to have a pediatric anesthetist as part of the team. Dr. Michelle White was serving in this capacity at the time and was a vital part of the team. “Working with such a tiny body, I wouldn’t have proceeded without her,” said Dr. James.
Josephine awoke shortly after the surgery and sat up on the gurney all the way to the Intensive Care Unit, looking around and asking for a glass of water. To everyone’s surprise, she was anxious to eat right away. After a few days of recuperating in the ICU – and enjoying the attention of the nurses and other crew members – the little girl and her grateful parents left the ship
In reviewing this story, it is amazing to see the many things that had to happen for this tiny girl to survive. Her parents had to keep her alive for eight days after she inhaled the stone. Ann Gloag had to be visiting the office of the Minister of Health at the same time that David, Judith, and Josephine were there. Dr. James Munene had to agree to perform a surgery for an organization of which he had never heard; and Nurse Corina had to be drawn to the ICU because she couldn’t sleep. This incredible timing and all of these wonderful people were part of the miracle that allowed Josephine to grin happily as she left the Africa Mercy as a healthy little girl.
Dr. James was captivated by the mission and hopes to return to volunteer his services. “Really, it’s a privilege to come and see what people are doing while others are sleeping and doing nothing,” he said.
And God never sleeps – miracles still happen every day. Sometimes we are blessed to be a part of them.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Photos Debra Bell
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