Health Care Worker led programs are fundamental to our work. Local fishermen, farmers, literate and illiterate, who with suitable training can become effective providers of primary care. Using local workers is key to effective grass-roots programs, training up individuals to serve in their own communities. The Millennial Development Goals set out by the World Health Organisation identify Health Care Workers as key for delivering health initiatives. The area is politically volatile and resource poor, and few professionals are ready to commit to long term service. All workers volunteer for six months unpaid prior to appointment. This sounds harsh, but is vital to ensure that they share the vision for service and recognise that effective delivery of the programs requires more than a punch clock mentality, and an ability to serve under pressure and oftentimes when tired.
Mother and child programs integrate antenatal, intra-partum and postnatal care, working with Traditional Birthing Attendants and women's groups to gently change health behaviour through consensus.
Childhood mortality is appalling in this region, and preventative health, breast-feeding, nutritional programs, immunisation and de-worming schedules all vital.
Teenage pregnancy, contraception and HIV awareness are issues addressed through community education. Complications of home abortions are commonplace.
We have two experienced mid-wives who hold monthly women's forums to address issues, and offer free delivery 24 hrs a day at the clinic, in contrast to paid home deliveries by TBA's.Between 2007-2011 we have seen a 23% fall in infant mortality.
We have two experienced mid-wives who hold monthly women's forums to address issues, and offer free delivery 24 hrs a day at the clinic, in contrast to paid home deliveries by TBA's.Between 2007-2011 we have seen a 23% fall in infant mortality.
Treatment protocols relevant to the area are based on WHO objectives, and drawn from International Red Cross and National guidelines, with reference to the excellent protocols from Medecins san Frontieres.
Burns, injury and wound care comprises much of the work, with DOTS treatment for TB and home palliative care for cancers and terminal illnesses.
We are establishing a small laboratory for blood testing, microscopy and blood transfusion, which will be on-line in 2012.
All patients have record cards and are identified for recall and immunisation programs.
Burns, injury and wound care comprises much of the work, with DOTS treatment for TB and home palliative care for cancers and terminal illnesses.
We are establishing a small laboratory for blood testing, microscopy and blood transfusion, which will be on-line in 2012.
All patients have record cards and are identified for recall and immunisation programs.
Home Visitation For many , visiting the clinic is an alien concept or runs contrary to native belief. Workers visit each quarter of the community daily to break down negative perceptions, build relationships and thereby trust.
This is crucial to effective public health measures, immunisation, clean water, mosquito net use, sanitation, breast feeding and more. Community education is carried out in family or house compound settings with props, humour and literature to help break down barriers. Many present late at the clinic, and sometimes beyond help. Trust and good communication results in seeking help earlier and therefore better outcomes.
Post-natally all mothers are followed up, and where teenage pregnancies are common , a listening ear and advocacy can save a child's life.
Stigmatised illnesses, such as TB or HIV will always demand we visit daily as many are reluctant to come to the clinic.
Treatment and training of Health Care Workers is based on WHO and IRC guidelines. We support and finance attendance on Government run three year vocational courses, including record keeping, community health education, laboratory skills and primary care intervention.
We also link with other national and international charities for shorter courses. IT training, Word and spreadsheet use, record keeping and audit are integral to the training, and training clinics run three months of the year.
Increasingly we are looking to east-west linkages with India to broaden training and personal development. Bespoke training for specific needs allows less time to be spent away from the work.
We recruit from all sectors of the community, but literacy is a pre-requisite.
We also link with other national and international charities for shorter courses. IT training, Word and spreadsheet use, record keeping and audit are integral to the training, and training clinics run three months of the year.
Increasingly we are looking to east-west linkages with India to broaden training and personal development. Bespoke training for specific needs allows less time to be spent away from the work.
We recruit from all sectors of the community, but literacy is a pre-requisite.
As Christians we see quality, evidenced health care as an way of demonstrating God's Love, to all, regardless of belief or status, free and without pre-condition, or prejudice.
We also believe that we should proclaim to all, regardless of belief, race or status, that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that who so ever believes on Him, shall not perish, but shall have eternal life.
Some accept the former, and not the latter, and indeed the reverse is also true....
