Village Outreach

On Wednesday, we held a village outreach. We shoved as many people as possible into a Land Rover, and then crammed a few more in just for good measure. I ended up in the front seat and was endlessly amused by the fact that the lab tech was sitting straddling the gears, so every time the driver had to shift gears, he had to stick his hand in between the other guys legs. But apparently this was not awkward or humorous to anyone but me, because neither man seemed to mind this uncomfortable arrangement. We four wheeled it down some really rough roads and all held our breaths and sent up some prayers when we drove over a "bridge" that consisted of two tree trunks. (Don't worry mom, the driver assured us they were "very strong" and he was right!!)

We arrived in the village and all the pregnant women and children under five assembled to be treated. We tested for malaria, HIV, and malnutrition. Out of 150 people, about 50% had malaria and almost all of the babies less than a month old were infected. We handed out lots of medication that was much needed! Some children were found to be malnourished, so we handed out packages of nutritional supplements that will help them to gain weight. It was so sad to see them with their stick arms and distended bellies. (Although they needed the food, none of them were in the severe stages of malnutrition that requires more drastic care). A newborn baby was particularly sick so we (somehow) managed to squeeze her and her mom in the car for the ride back. They are now in Mercy Hospital and the baby is being treated for measles.

Going on the outreach was definitely one of the highlights of my trip so far. I really needed to get out of Bo and see how the majority of Sierra Leoneans live. It never ceases to amaze me how the most basic necessities are not available. 11 million children die each year around the world and the vast majority of them die of preventable diseases. Living in a country like the United States, it is easy to take so much for granted. No, our country and our government are not perfect, but we really are fortunate to be provided with so much when others have so little.