KBNF Mission Trip – Sierra Leone (post 9)
I visited the pediatric department at the Connaught Hospital. It was a breath of fresh air! The Ecobank had recently repainted the wing and replaced their bedding. Mickey Mouse and Daffy Duck greet you from the walls, while children playing and other lovely scenes were displayed throughout the unit. One little boy was playing a game of bottle caps on the floor. I gave the nurses children’s clothing that had been donated to them from caring Canadians. They were most grateful.
My heart went out to the parents that were holding their precious children, hopeful that recovery is an option. For many that is not the case, especially neurosurgerical cases. Babies with spina bifida and hydrocephalus lay in their cribs awaiting their fate. This we must address. Spina bifida can largely be eliminated with the administration of Folic Acid, a very inexpensive mineral. We must network with West African media and authorities in ensuring that this preventable tragedy is a priority for women of childbearing years.
