Under a $1

What would inspire you to see a huge need in your community an then do something about it? What would it take? What if you had very little money and resources and you faced corruption at every level? In the words of Dr Seuss, "Would you, could you?"

 

Well a group of men in Guinea saw a need, a city in desperate need of basic health care amenities, and through their local Assemblies of God church have constructed two health clinics to service the local population of Conakry. They could and they did! Just one of these clinics sees up to 1000 patients per month providing many life saving services and preventive care for under $1 AUD:

 

* Vaccinations 1000GNF (around 14 cents) 

* Ante-natal appointments and pregnancy services, such as urine tests FREE.

* Albendazole (for worm treatment) 3 tablets 1000GNF (around 14 cents)

* Paracetamol 10 tablets 1000GNF (around 14 cents)

* Malaria test 4000GNF (around 57 cents)

* Consultation with a doctor 2,500GNF (around 35 cents)

* Medications 2,500GNF (around 35 cents)

* Labs 2,500GNF (around 35 cents)

 

Andrew and I had the privilege of touring these two centres with hospital day worker, Jonathan, some local pastors and a doctor. It gave us great insight into the level of health care available and how much is still lacking. These men are passionate about offering the very best facilities they can on an extremely limited budget. Their excitement and compassion for their fellow country men was self evident as they proudly showed us around the facilities.



The Centre de Sante Health Centre in Hamdalye, Conakry.

 

The waiting area of the health centre, where patients view the Jesus film in their own languages. All the consulting rooms, lab, pharmacy, reception and the cashier are located around the sides of this central waiting area.

Dr. Valentin show us the number system used to triage patients.

The fridge which holds the vaccinations. The fridge is petrol powered due to the erratic power supply that exists in Guinea. The fridge is monitored daily to ensure a constant temperature is maintained to keep the vaccinations from spoiling.

Baby scales.

The consultation room.

Dr. Valentin gestures excitedly when explaining the consultation process.

Jonathan stands outside the laboratory which is equipped with only very basic equipment.

The pharmacy.

The clinic is reasonably well stocked with basic medication that helps with the afflictions that affect local West African's daily such as worms and malaria. Afflictions that can kill.

The cashier.

 Andrew and I pose with the pastors and Dr. Valentin in the patient waiting area.

Me and Jonathan whom I first met when he called out, "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" down the hallways of the Africa Mercy at the beginning of the field service.

The second health clinic in Bambeto, Conakry which also serves as a maternity hospital and birthing suite. 

This heath centre is very lucky to have a new ultrasound machine, something you rarely see in West Africa.

The maternity section.

The birthing suite. We had to take our shoes off to walk around the birthing suite. It was pleasing to see such care taken to try to ensure that the area remains sterile.

I am fairly confident that all our day trips in West Africa are never what we expect and uncertainty lies around every corner. So we were not surprised when, on the way back to the ship, we made a stop so that Andrew could have a look at the church's land rover. This landie was donated to by the Anastasis (the Africa Mercy's predecessor) to the church over ten years ago on Mercy Ship's last visit to the area. The poor landy had seen better days and since this photo Andrew has been able to make a few repairs and to provide four new (second hand) tyres.

What we witnessed during our tour was people trying to make a difference against the powers of adversity that we in the West cannot even imagine. Recently their largest sponsor pulled out when they discovered the health centres were run through a Christian organisation. In this predominately Muslim nation, clinics like this not only offer health care but also are a witness to the lifesaving message of Jesus Christ.

Would you like to help? We only have a few weeks left in Guinea and this is something I have never done before but if you would like to give a gift (before 22nd May, 2013) to assist the vision of these men for their community, please email us on: ajjrothwell@gmail.com and we can send you details of how you can donate (Australia only). All monies will be donated in full (sorry no tax receipts) and will be exchanged into Guinea Francs. Just think :

$20AUD=
142 vaccinations
or 35 malaria tests
or 57 doctors consults
or 142 worm treatments
 
Would you? Could you?