We received a call from Mission Coordinator Christina this morning.
All is going well in Ouelessebougou, Mali and the clinic even started yesterday, a full day early. Dr. Greg, Dr. Tammy and Dr. Brandon have already conducted eight surgical cases with another 23 scheduled for today.
About 200 people have been seen in the clinic so far.
Christina shared the story of Moussa, a four year old boy who came into the clinic yesterday completely emaciated. He drank poison two years ago and burned his esophogus. A balloon procedure was performed at that time and needed to take place regularly, but his family wasn't able to afford it after a couple of months. Moussa's esophogus has continued to narrow and the only thing he has been able to eat (or more appropriately, drink) for the last year and a half is milk. His family arrived with him at the clinic yesterday, pleading the doctors to help.
Dr. Tammy immediately put in a feeding tube and he is in much better shape today. He is alert and was even found trying to climb out of bed on his own this morning. There is also potential for ongoing care to provide the necessary balloon procedures for Moussa to fully recuperate.
MMF volunteer, Meredith, getting Moussa situated post-op.
Other cases include Dr. Tammy removing multiple goiters, Dr. Greg performing hysterectomies and Dr. Brandon taking care of incontinence problems and hernias.
Christina had meetings over the last couple of days with headmasters at the 18 participating Wash Club schools and was even able to get a picture of all of the Wash Ambassadors. (Read more about the Mali handwashing initiative and Wash Club here). The MMF volunteers at the clinic have been teaching handwashing with soap and announcements will be made on Ouelessebougou radio to publicize the clinic and the Wash Cup. Handwashing public service announcements will be played on the radio station on an ongoing basis to continue to educate people on the importance of using soap.
The MMF group ended a busy day yesterday with a spectacular full moon.
Pictures will be posted as they are received. The group hopes to be able to use a hubspot to communicate via internet later.
Hey Stacey and Allison!
So Gald you made it safe!!! Sounds like you are in the right place, lots of help needed.
Take care and We love you
Calley
Posted by: Calley | January 09, 2012 at 12:26 PM