Newsletter Sep 2024
- bochildrenshospita
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
Bo Children’s Hospital has commenced an outreach program to reach remote villages that cannot access the hospital.
This report is on the first outreach at Fala Village, described by Francis Bangalie, Acting Hospital Superintendent at Bo Children’s Hospital.
In a significant outreach initiative conducted by Bo Children’s Hospital in Fala Village, a total of 71 patients were seen during the first visit.
Upon arrival, the team set up a temporary clinic equipped with essential medical supplies for diagnosing and treating uncomplicated malaria as well as assessing cases of paediatric hernias. Families were welcomed into the clinic where they underwent screening for malaria symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and muscle pain. Rapid diagnostic tests were administered on-site to confirm malaria infections. Children diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria received appropriate antimalarial medications according to national treatment guidelines.
In addition to treatment, educational sessions were held concurrently where parents learned about preventive measures against malaria, such as using insecticide-treated bed nets, environmental management practices like removing sanding water where mosquitoes breed and recognizing early symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. This outreach aimed to address various health concerns prevalent in the community and provide immediate medical attention to those in need.
Patient Demographics and Health Conditions
The patient population consisted of children and adolescents, reflecting a diverse range of health issues. The findings from this outreach revealed several critical health conditions among the patients:
Malaria
One of the most alarming statistics was that 56% of the patients tested positive for malaria. This high prevalence indicates a severe public health challenge in the region, as malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in many parts of Africa. The hospital staff provided appropriate antimalarial treatment to those diagnosed, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.
Malnutrition
Another significant concern was malnutrition, which affected 15% of the patients. Malnutrition can severely impact children’s growth and development, making them more susceptible to infections and other diseases. The healthcare team implemented nutritional assessments and provided dietary recommendations along with supplements where necessary to combat this issue.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia was identified in 8% of the patients. This respiratory condition is particularly dangerous for young children, who may experience severe complications if not treated promptly. The outreach team administered antibiotics to those diagnosed with pneumonia and educated caregivers on recognizing symptoms early.
Inguinal Hernia
During this outreach program, several cases of paediatric hernias were identified among children brought in for evaluation. The medical team conducted thorough assessments to determine whether surgical intervention was necessary or if conservative management could be applied initially. For those requiring surgery, typically cases involving incarcerated or strangulated hernia, arrangements were made for follow-up care to Bo Children’s Hospital where surgical procedures could be performed safely by qualified surgeons. Parents received counselling regarding post-operative care should their child require surgery later on. The presence of inguinal hernia was noted in 19% of cases. Inguinal hernias can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including incarceration or strangulation. Patients diagnosed with this condition were referred for surgical evaluation to ensure timely intervention.
In addition to these primary health issues, other conditions such as epilepsy, meningitis, and asthma were also observed among the patient population. These accounted for approximately 2% each. Each case was carefully assessed, treated accordingly, and referred for further management when necessary.
Conclusion
The outreach program conducted by Bo Children’s Hospital in Fala Village highlighted critical health challenges faced by children in this community. With over half of the patients testing positive for malaria and notable rates of malnutrition and pneumonia, it is evident that ongoing medical support is essential. The efforts made during this visit not only provided immediate care but also laid groundwork for future interventions aimed at improving child health outcomes in Fala Village.
The outreach program had a profound impact on both immediate health outcomes and long-term community awareness regarding childhood illnesses. Many families expressed gratitude for receiving free medical care that they otherwise might not have accessed due to financial constraints or distance from healthcare facilities. The success of this initial outreach laid a foundation for future programs aimed at addressing other pressing paediatric health concerns within underserved communities.
The first outreach by Bo Children’s Hospital marked a significant step towards improving child health outcomes in Sierra Leone through targeted interventions against uncomplicated malaria, identification of malnourished children and paediatric hernias. By combining treatment with education and community engagement strategies, this initiative not only addressed immediate healthcare needs but also fostered greater awareness around prevention strategies that can save lives in vulnerable populations. Thank you for your compassion and support, we could not continue the work of this much needed hospital without you.
Francis J.M.Bangalie
Acting Hospital Superintendent
Bo Children’s Hospital
We are having difficulty in supporting this latest initiative by the hospital, unfortunately our funds are diminishing with the current economic climate. Your help will go a long way in helping save the lives
of these vulnerable children.
To donate directly go to: donations.rawcs.com.au/default.aspx?projectid=139&returnto=4
or: www.bochildrenshospital.org.au and follow the prompts.
Comments