It’s a rainy Sunday here in Kigutu…sort of a cosy catch up day, even though it’s warm. Another extremely busy week has passed. Two of the nurses were laid low by malaria and another had an eye infection so Brad, Connie and I were working very long hours in the wards. When we are in the midst of morning rounds, the “gates” are opened for the outpatients and it is a bit overwhelming to see the throngs arrive. It seems at least once a day we get a stretcher case that has been carried in and we go into “emergency room” mode. The beds are always full and overflowing. Malaria has been rampant these days (yes, I am taking doxy). Luckily quinine is a pretty quick cure and people are on the mend fairly fast. Before we know it the sun is setting and we have been running all day.
On Friday afternoon Connie and I took a brief interlude up at the water tower to watch the sunset, very revitalizing to step out even for fifteen minutes.
We continue to have a quite a steady stream of patients who see local traditional healers and come here afterwards with infections or bad reactions. A few examples include: a 22 year old male with a significantly botched and infected circumcision; a 5 year old boy who had severe reactions to a potion and several with infections post uvulaectomies. A mother of a malnourished baby told us that the traditional healer said that her child had a “bone disease” and recommended that the baby’s xiphoid process (the lowest portion of the sternum) needed cutting. We all attempted to explain that this bony prominence is normal. Melino is especially passionate about educating the people to avoid the healers. He has seen too many deaths as a result of their work.
Brad and I gave another prenatal class on Wednesday. All women were tested for HIV and all were negative. Nice.
The solar cooker has been officially inaugurated by Connie who baked delicious banana bread. A much appreciated treat for everyone.
It’s great having a bit of a breather today gearing up for another full week ahead.
Helen
Helen and sunset
Melino showing his xiphoid process
Peanut Gallery watching drummers
VHW women
Prenatal class
Mother and babe recovering from traditional healer visit
Aubery
Fabrice
Connie and sunset
Children with malaria
Celestin upon admission to VHW
Celestin after 2 months at VHW 
Bazile's breakfast
3 comments:
Helen,
Thanks for sharing the pictures of your efforts, it really illustrates the need for modern medicine intervention.
I know I've told you how awesome you are before, and I now want to say that I am so PROUD to know you.
Your work (and blog) helps me to remember just how fragile this world is, and how one person can make such a difference.
I'm wondering...are HIV cases decreasing (just women?), and if so, is it education that is making the difference?
Also, are there diseases that are more prevalent (malaria) at certain seasons of the year?
Hi Helen,
I came across your blog because I've been researching the West Africa Fistula Foundation --- I am volunteering at Mercy Hospital in Bo, SL and recently visited. I am very impressed!
I am a recent grad, aiming to begin my MPH this fall, potentially nursing/med school one day. What you are doing is inspirational. It's a joy to read your updates and see your photos. Thank you for sharing!
Enjoy your time in Burundi. I just read "Strength in What Remains", and I can only imagine how incredible it is to be there. Best of luck - and pass along my thanks to all your colleagues, international and local!
Kate Meehan
meehan.kate@gmail.com
hey buddy..
I seen all the images...
are they alright now?
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