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sierra leone, west africa

www.bochildrenshospital.org.au

building a brighter future for the children of sierra leone

newsletter | march 2013

SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA, IS A COUNTRY WHICH HAS A VERY HIGH INFANT MORTALITY AND VERY LOW LIFE EXPECTANCY. THE MATERNAL DEATH RATES ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD AT 2,000 DEATHS PER 100,000 LIVE BIRTHS.. ONE IN SIX INFANTS DIES AT BIRTH. YET EVEN ONCE BORN, HARSH STATISTICS CONTINUE: THE UNDER 5 MORTALITY RATES IS THE 7TH HIGHEST IN THE WORLD _ ALMOST 20% DIE. THE BO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL IS THE SECOND ONLY CHILDRENS HOSPITAL TO OPEN IN THE HISTORY OF SIERRA LEONE. THE HOSPITAL WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED ON 2ND JUNE AND IS A TRIBUTE TO A COMMUNITY WANTING TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE AND THE GENEROSITY OF HUMANITY ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDERS. THIS IS AN UPDATE OF OUR EXCITING STORY..WHICH IS ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH YOUR GENEROUS AND ONGOING SUPPORT...

Dream has become an operational reality

It is hard to believe that we have come so far. We are now 9 months into the operation of the hospital and it is a very busy place indeed.
As you can see from Ajaratu's report the medical staff are very busy people meeting challenges every day. We have come so far but we have only just begun. We have created an opportunity whereby we can do so much more. The incorporation of Bo Children's Hospital Foundation was encouraged by the Rotary Club of Turramurra as we all realised that this was a major project that would require long term funding and cooperation between multiple partners. To date we have relied on donations from individuals, donations from Rotary Clubs, and the coordinated seeking of funds from members of organisations such as the Sydney University International House Alumni Association. As can be seen from Peter's report, the Foundation has been busy working with the community of Bo to construct a business plan for the next five years. The purpose of this business plan is to give clear direction for the future and to highlight what needs to be done to continue running the hospital and expand its very badly need services. We have done so much and yet we need to do so much more. It is the intention to make the hospital as self-funding as it possibly can. Money has been raised from the local community in Bo and locally raised revenues are part of the business plan. But as everybody knows the hospital's patients largely live in poverty and are unable to afford even the most basic of treatments. The Foundation is using the business plan to approach institutions and governments for longer term sustainable funding. This will take time and patience and in the meantime our funds are running low and there are medical staff wages to pay and medicines to buy. Any contribution that you can make to assist in running the hospital while we implement our longer term funds raising activities will be gratefully received. I would like to thank everybody for their generosity and to proudly announce that it has created only the second children's hospital in the history of Sierra Leone. I am pleased to say that it is serving its purpose and has enormous potential to deliver a lot more. We have all fulfilled the first part of Dr Nuli Lemoh's dream - the reality of a hospital serving the children of Bo. With your further support we can not only keep that dream going but to also expand its badly need services.
LAURIE FACER CEO | BO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

FRONT VIEW OF HOSPITAL SUPERSTRUCTURE.

I think that one of the proudest aspects of my involvement in this project is that it is 100% community based. It is the community of Bo who built the hospital and who are running the hospital. All we have done is provided the occasional advice and funded the work that is being undertaken. The donations that you have made have created an opportunity for a community to help itself and to start making inroads into the tragic and avoidable deaths of so many children. One of the most humbling aspects of the project is to see firsthand the generosity of the Australian community towards another community so far across the other side of the world. The reality of the potential of human empathy across oceans has become very real for me as I witness individuals helping the best way that they can.

in this edition...
A Dream Becomes Reality Bo Children s Hospital Visit Business Plan for BCH Shipment of Medical supplies arrives Success Stories of Patients Bobbin Head Cylce Classic ALUMNI and residents dig deep for Bo

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a dream becomes reality

MESSAGE FROM NULI

BO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL VISIT JANUARY 2013

Objectives:
This visit was intended to determine the current state of affairs of the BCH operation since its inception on May 2012. To discuss with staff and the Bo Rotary Club about their concerns, goals, progress and aspirations of the program.

BY AJARATU AJ THOMAS

e Bo Children's Hospital is nearing the end of its construction _ a dream coming true!
I was born in Bo Sierra Leone, West Africa. I came from Bo to Sydney to study in 1962. The dream of building a children's hospital in Bo came after I had reluctantly left Sierra Leone because of the outbreak of the civil war after working there for 9 years as a paediatrician. I returned to Sydney in December 1990 and joined my family who had arrived three months earlier. I prayed that God would make me a bridge between Sierra Leone and Australia. Awareness of the high child death rate in Sierra Leone set me thinking about how I could help the children of Sierra Leone. At that time 165 per 1000 died by the age of 1 year (in Australia it was 5 per 1000), 282 per 1000 died before the age of 5 (in Australia only 6 per 1000), 1 in 6 infants died at birth. Most of these deaths could be prevented if facilities were available. In April 2007 I first presented the idea of building a childrens hospital in Bo to my Rotary Club, Turramurra. Prior to that I came across a great statement made by the first Afro-American Judge in the US Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall (1908 1903). It was quoted under a picture of an African woman bending down to breastfeed her son and said, None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps. We got here because someone bent down and HELPED us. Thurgood's statement took me back to my past. I lost my Dad when I was 11 years old and parents had no money. It was through HELP from other people that I finished the last term of my primary school; I got a scholarship from Bo District Council to go through high school (Bo Government Secondary School). Then through the Special Commonwealth African Assistance Plan Australia offered me the chance to study medicine in the University of Sydney in 1962! The children of Sierra Leone need HELP! My successful life journey has been through HELP . The Bo Children's Hospital is now operating because of the HELP of Rotary clubs in Bo, Australia and England, Sydney University International House Alumni association, Fox Valley Church, high schools in Sydney, private hospitals, medical centres and some very generous individuals in the community. So for me the founders of this hospital are you, our supporters, I am just one of many. It is you who have built on my original vision and have caused the dream to become reality.

Introduction:
Several visits were paid by Ms Aj Thomas (member of BCH Foundation) in January 2013 to BCH. Meetings were held with staff, BCH Oversight Management Committee and Rotary Club of Bo to obtain a firsthand report of issues and progress. The medical team and administrative team of the hospital were also consulted in this regard.

pathology and medical supplies. Dehydration and fever accounted for most presentation but these common symptoms can be fatal if not treated correctly and promptly. Medical supplies and facilities are usually in dire straits in the country and are usually inaccessible to most patients in the rural settings even if they are available. The majority of these patients are at the lowest end of the social economic scale and are unable to afford basic medical expenses. A simple feeding tube worth about $1 can be the bridge

Current State of Aairs :

In its 1st stage of operation, the Medical Superintendent, Vandi Sombie, reported that BCH have successfully treated over 1,000 patients over a seven month period with one fatality recorded. This is outstanding considering the woeful infant mortality in the country, one of the highest in the world. Most admissions occur overnight with patients and family making considerable use of the hospital's mobile phone hotline. The hospital 12-seater vehicle is usually used as an ambulance to transport patients to the referral and other hospitals, and it is also used for urgent delivery of

between life and death in these situations. BCH has been very efficient in treating these symptoms with a cohesive, committed and efficient medical team. Nursing staff, including nursing students on work placements, covers the hospital with three shifts _ morning, afternoon and night. Vandi Sombie is the Specialist Pediatric Clinician, assisted by a

Business Plan for the Bo Childrens Hospital

BY PETER MATTHEWS

A Business Plan covering the next ve years has been wri en so that people or organisations considering whether to make a donation, can understand the aims and direction the Hospital is taking.
The plan covers the expected increase in patients over the period, the additional services to be offered, equipment and building requirements to meet these goals, and most importantly, the money required to fund the ongoing operation of the Hospital. The plan highlights the following developments, but these will only be possible if sufficient funds are raised: Surgical operations to commence later this year With the introduction surgery, two ward

areas will need to be finished. This will bring the number of beds to 22 at an expected to cost $40,000 A new ward building is planned for 2017. at a cost of about $130,000 A dental clinic to be opened in 2017 Total staff will increase from the present 26 to 47 Monthly operational cost will increase from the current $12,500 to about $22,000 per month Planned equipment purchases include: Portable x-ray machine - $20,000 Back-up generator - $10,000 Ambulance - $15,500 Utility Vehicle Perimeter Fence A copy of the Business Plan can be emailed on request. Please contact Peter Matthews at pimatthews@bigpond.com.

NULI WITH PATIENT AND MOTHER AT BCH

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Community Health Officer (CHO),who mostly oversees the treatment of all patients. However, the Chief Visiting Pediatrician, Dr Muctarr Jalloh attends from Friday to Sunday. It was further reported that up to 30 patients attend the outpatient clinic daily and the inpatient beds are occupied at all times. This has increased recently and is likely attributable to the recent Cholera outbreak in the country in 2012. No fatalities were recorded at BCH in comparison to the 200+ lives lost nationwide.

infusion pump sets (this is vital for rehydration of children), suction machines, pediatric nasal prongs and oxygen masks for supplementary delivery of oxygen.

Security
BCH is located close to one of the busiest highway linking Bo and the rest of the country. Staff expressed concerned about security (particularly at night) at the hospital as it stands on an open area with its perimeter unfenced. However, a Security Agency has been employed with one security guard per 12 hour shift to cover the area on a 24hour basis. This appears to be inadequate in the event of theft or threat of personal safety. Staff are keen to have the perimeter fence to reduce/prevent the likelihood of these events.

Laboratory
This is an essential diagnostic service to the treatment of patients currently providing basic blood tests including "instant" testing for malaria. The actual lab is currently under construction but progress has stalled due to funding issues. However, a makeshift lab has been operating in the hospital but the staff is facing considerable constraints. Urgent and

Medical Supplies
Vandi Sombie advocated for more medical

Training and Capacity Building

According to Dr Jalloh, nursing staff (with the direction of Matron) have been doing a fantastic job ensuring patient treatments are successfully executed and maintaining the operational purpose of BCH. The most outstanding performer over the holiday period was attributed to the Assistant CHO who was on call for most of the period relieving Vandi Sombie, Matron, Pharmacy and Lab technicians. However, Dr Jalloh contends that staff morale and enthusiasm could be enhanced by supporting them through continuous education and/or scholarships in pediatric-specific clinical skills and health management. He reported that most of the staff have approached him in relation to this and he is in contact with Sierra Leone School of Nursing, Universities and other relevant bodies. Outside support would be most welcome to assist with skill enhancement and capacity building.

supplies and support as the current stock is inadequate to meet the demands. A box of feeding tubes was donated by Ms Robyn Stevens, Nurse Manager, Emergency Department, and Sydney Adventist Hospital. This was gratefully appreciated and received by staff. The hospital nearly is running out (or already have) of vital and basic supplies such as blood sugar reading sticks, intravenous

basic laboratory needs include water bath, microscopes, blood test tubes and strips.

Pharmacy
Similarly with the lab, the pharmacy is also under construction and awaits more funding for its completion. This department needs urgent attention as the hospital is up for accreditation in May 2013.

SHIPMENT OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES ARRIVES

BY PHILIP HUON

Special Shipping Rate for BcH

The Honorary Consul for Sierra Leone, Mr Aaron Wakil, has arranged a special price with Mr Hubert Igbinoba of CFF Worldwide Freight, for shipping supplies and equipment to Freetown for the Hospital. A considerable amount of donated hospital supplies is currently stored at Nulis house, and it is planned to send these in a container about the end of March. In addition to the supplies, we hope to ship second hand computers, desks, chairs and a TV for the children. If you can donate or assist in any way please contact Peter Matthews at pimatthews@bigpond.com.

On the 14th November 2012, a shipment of medical supplies donated by theSydney Adventist Hospital, clothing and toys was forwarded to Bo Childrens Hospital.
In the consignment were two critical pieces of equipment, an Incubator and an Oxygen Concentrator- donated by the Wahroonga San Hospital, these were specifically requested for Bo to assist in the care of young babies and children. We took the opportunity with this consignment to forward many items of medical supplies that were donated to Nuli for the hospital. As you can see by the photos, we completed filling the crate with clothing and toys for the children. The consignment has now arrived in Freetown where it has been collected and delivered to the Bo Childrens Hospital.

donate today & make a real

difference

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SUCCESS STORIES OF PATIENTS CLINICALLY MANAGED AT BCH

A six year old girl presented with facial nerve palsy started regaining her normal health status after two weeks treatment on (steroids and anti hypertensives can now gradually close her eyes and the mouth.

BY VANDI SOMBIE

An eighteen month old child who benefited from vulnerable fund at BCH medical services who was diagnosed from severe malnutrition and later diagnosed of TB due to contact from a close relative. The first admitted child at BCH with septic skin infection responded to three days conventional anti biotic (iv cloxacillin).

VANDI SOMBIE, RIGHT, WITH MOTHER OF PATIENT

PRE AND POST TREATMENT PICTURES OF PATIENT TREATED WITH FACIAL NERVE PALSY

A two month old baby presented with early stage of hydrocephalus was referred to another hospital for specialised care. A four year old boy treated at BCH with complications of severe malaria secondary to Anamia.

Three year old boy presented with a swollen right jaw diagnosed ase Burkett Lymphoma, a curable childhood cancer. Was referred to another hospital because of lack of medicines like (cyclosphomide).

THIS PICTURE SHOWS THE PRE AND POST MANAGE CONDITION. PRE-STAGE & POST-STAGE (CONVALESCING)

CHILD RECOVERS AFTER A UNIT OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND ANTI MALARIA GIVEN

PREMIER barry OFARRELL TO START BOBBIN HEAD CYLCE CLASSIC

BY DENISE CURRY

Last year we held our inaugural Bobbin Head Cycle Classic with the monies raised going to the Bo Childrens Hospital and Lifeline respectively. Over $12,000 was raised for the Bo Childrens Hospital - a great result!
This year the event will take place on Sunday March 24 and we expect double the entries from last year! This is a wonderful opportunity
DENISE CURRY, AJ THOMAS, MAYOR OF KU-RING-GAI ELAINE MALICKI

to keep fit, enjoy a family outing and contribute to very worthwhile causes, including the Bo Childrens Hospital. A very big THANK YOU to all the organisers and volunteers of the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic who have contributed so many hours to make this wonderful event possible. If you can offer your time as a volunteer on the day, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Denise Curry at denise.curry@bigpond.com. For more information or to register for the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, visit

www.bobbinheadcycleclassic.com.au

International House alumni and residents dig deep for Bo

BY BY JOSHUA LEE, SUIHAA PRESIDENT

SUIHAA was proud to continue its support for the Bo Children's Hospital Foundation with an incredibly successful Charity Night held in October 2012. .
Organised in conjunction with the resident's association, the evening saw alumni and residents auction items and services in support of Bo. The evening proved to be as successful as it was entertaining, with eating contests, live entertainment, hosts dressed up as Batman and Pikachu, and, most importantly, over $6000 raised for a worthy cause - a great

effort for one night considering many of the donors were students! You can view pictures of the event online via the International House Members Association Facebook page at http://goo.gl/dooEF Our upcoming March Alumni Reunion will also be held in support of BCHF, with half of all proceeds to be donated. Themed as a musical soiree, it will feature musical performances from up-and-coming student talent at International House Sydney. The event is open to both International House alumni, guests, and supporters of the Bo Children's Hospital. Details are as follows: SUIHAA March Alumni Reunion Saturday 23rd March 2013, 7:00pm The Wool Room, International House, The University of Sydney 96 City Road Chippendale, NSW 2008 Admission $20 with 50% of proceeds to Bo Childrens Hospital RSVP to info@suihaa.org.au.

www.bochildrenshospital.org.au