To be advocates in the prevention of infections and taking preventative measures in response to COVID-19, RHCI has taken on the responsibility of ensuring mothers, expecting mothers, and RHCI staff members have the tools and knowledge to do so. The initial steps of action were taken on March 8, as part of the recognition of women on International Women’s Day. This day of celebration, which included cookies as treats of recognition, engaged expecting mothers and staff members staying at the Mbao-mi Mothers’ Home. Important, yet simple actions highlighted were:
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home if you are sick, contact nurse/supervisor
- Cover your cough with a tissue, and dispose. If no tissue on hand, use your elbow, not your hand
- Clean surfaces with cleaner that are frequently touched or appear dirty
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, eating, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Staff members were given clear instructions on the proper usage and importance of masks and gloves.
RHCI continues to allow women and staff to wash their hands at the hand washing buckets found around the Mbao-mi Mothers’ Home. Staff are reminded, each time they enter and leave the facility to wash their hands.
On March 21, hand washing buckets and soaps have been donated to distance villages at their health centers and instructed on the importance of hand washing for community members. RHCI has placed hand washing stations at motorbike outreach points, where RHCI holds weekly mobile clinics.
RHCI is strategizing different approaches to our services so we can continue to serve the mothers and children in the Tikonko chiefdom of Sierra Leone, while practicing social distancing and maintaining the health of our staff. RHCI’s vision of a thriving Sierra Leone with healthy pregnancies and children will continue to shine through the COVID-19 pandemic.