The aim of the partner project between L’appel Deutschland e.V. and the Swiss-Sierra Leone Development Foundation is to train staff at the Magbenteh Community Hospital in Sierra Leone to identify and effectively treat children in acutely life-threatening conditions, with the help of primary care guidelines.
Background:
The Ebola epidemic had serious consequences for the health care system in Sierra Leone. According to an assessment carried out by L’appel Deutschland e.V., insufficient specialist training and a lack of effective procedures were identified as the main reasons for the high mortality rate among patients. Maternal and infant mortality rates in Sierra Leone are particularly high.
Activities:
- Providing training in how to identify and treat children with life-threatening conditions
- Providing ongoing practical training sessions to consolidate what has been learnt
- Distributing ‘Pikin boxes’, cardboard boxes with vital items for newborns, to mothers who have attended at least four check-ups
Impact:
The training courses are intended to lead to improved health care for mothers and newborns. With the help of the train the trainer courses, the gynaecological team can educate pregnant women about how to use the Pikin box and the items contained therein, so that mothers themselves will be able to take an active role in preventing life-threatening situations for their children.