April collaborative camp 2008

A psychotic man lies chained in a community hall. Mental Health is little understood in this region, and many bogus practices employed. Diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitaion of the severely ill is difficult and we commend the work of Amaudo who tackle this difficult area head-on. This man was released under supervision, but the brutal manner of restraint reflects the sheer inadequacy of understanding of mental illness and the base, degrading treatment of its sufferers.

This camp we were delighted to link with Dr Emmanuel Akpo of Global Medical Missions to provide surgical treatment for hernia patients, cleft lip, gynaecological and abdominal problems. Hernias are common, and with surgery almost all can return to work, many having been unable to undertake manual work, farming, palm tapping or fishing for sometimes years. Adults and children were treated, and despite the simple environment there were no post-op complications. During the camp two acute appendicitis cases were seen, a condition which can proceed to peritonitis and death if not treated promptly. We look forward to a further joint camp later in the year.

Dr Ferife and her team from Eye Care Health Initiative again joined us  operating on over twenty cataract patients. More were planned but communication to more remote villages is difficult and even with the Clinic dates set some time in advance many cannot afford the journey to Enekorogha Clinic. This is very frustrating as even the day following the end of surgery we saw some ideal patients in a village within an inner creek, who will now need mobilised for the next camp. Triaging patients for each camp is an issue we are now all
looking at and we will be discussing the way forward with the team to maximise attendance.
In these remote creeks reliable communication is more often than not dependent upon individual efficiency.

In these inner creeks , relaying news of a forthcoming camp is hard. We use letter, where possible direct communication with community representation and always prior visitation to confirm dates and arrival time. This is both expensive and time consuming. Yet despite these measures, out of the three communities we had contacted, only one , on the day had relayed news of the camp to the community. Despite this more people arrived than could be seen, but it is hard to fathom why messages are not passed on, though apathy at community council headship is certainly an observed factor

Two patients who were delighted with their new sight.

A 25year old man with a six month old ulcer, self treating with native leaves. Unable to walk with the pain he is now attending the clinic alternate days for dressing, antibiotics, physiotherapy and nutritional advice. This should heal in time.

With the Solar Fridge now operational we stored enough vaccines for two immunisation camps, both in remote communities, one nearer the Atlantic, the other in a remote inner creek community, the visitors book showing only two 'official' visitors in past year since our last camp. Depressingly most children had received no vaccinations, and those who had, possessed no record card to help us identify which vaccines were still required. We are preparing a paper on our experience, to help the stratagem for our own campaign.

In all camps there was evidence of malnutrition, this child exhibiting signs of protein deficiency, Kwashiokor. As is often the case his mother was young and had left for another State in search of betterment and support. The child was left to the care of the grandmother who had fed the boy almost a diet exclusively of custard powder, flour mixed with river water, some yam and garri, a solely carbohydrate diet that had resulted in his current condition. These children are weak, immunocompromised, and highly suseptible to infection and subequent death. Our first day  saw a teenage mother arrive with a small infant who had been vigorously 'massaged ' by the community healer. With an enlarged liver but few other signs this exhausted child deteriorated over the next 18 hours and sadly died. Again and again the importance of nutrition, vaccination and effective mothering underpins our programs. Education remains the key to effective health improvements.

Despite the challenges faced by operating in this region, and the constant reminder of serious illness, there is much to be grateful for , and the partnership we enjoy with other NGO's, the community and individuals who share with this collective vision is foundational to the work......lets wind up with some happier pictures

After a long day on camp the team wind down with a bit of gentle exercise......