Here’s what you missed!
Global Health Roundtable Discussion was a Success! Fresh topics on global health, new insights, shared experiences, informational research, and one goal…health equity for all.
Introduction of global health, health care in Africa, and what RHCI is doing for health care in Sierra Leone presented by Dr. Carol Nelson, RHCI Executive Director.
Panel Moderators: Dr. Sarah Cassel, Board Chair & Marie Stodolka, Board Member
Panel: Alice Karpeh, RHCI Founder, Kumba Kanu, Sierra Leone Nurses Association Founder, & Dr. Gary Johnson, RHCI Board Member
Listen along for the first hour. Please skip to 1min 16 seconds for program start.
To Follow Along With Audio Refer to This Power Point:
Highlights of Panel Discussion with the Audience:
What are some of the differences between health care in Minnesota and Sierra Leone?
- In MN there is a system for health care, SL there is lack of systems and resources. There is no electricity for X-rays, services are not available, fewer doctors.
- Lack of education, lack of patient to doctor connection to describe symptoms and reason for type of care and medication.
What is the US’ obligation to health care in Sierra Leone?
- Strengthen the system, in SL doctors are seen as “Gods” but need to help doctors explain to patience the importance of the care provided and recommended. Need follow-ups.
- Cultural sensitivity, consistency and sustainability. Economic impact is mutual for the US and Sierra Leone.
What are common illnesses in Sierra Leone you witnessed firsthand?
- Malaria, children malnourished at 33% country wide.
- Working on building partnerships with local and international supporters including government from the chief in the village of Tikonko, to Ministry of Sanitation of Sierra Leone. Partnerships exist between supporters in MN.
What are the greatest barriers that prevent women from coming to the Birth Waiting Home?
- Not an issue because of incentives of transportation, food, and education.
What type of development have you seen since opening the Birth Waiting Home?
- Provide jobs for 11 full-time staff and 50 part-time Community Health Workers.
- Land development and cost has increased.
- Many opportunities we are looking into for small businesses such as using the grinder for the agriculture program to rent out for use, rent out a chainsaw to clear fields, tailoring with RHCI’s 7 sewing machines in the Birth Waiting Home, and a wound-care business for a small fee.
How do you keep Western World ways consistent, while been culturally considerate?
- Have to “sell” the locals on the benefits of brining in a health care system. This means educating them on the importance.
- “Metis” in local Mende means “wisdom of the locals, it means listening to the people” RHCI does Needs Assessments before implementations of systems. Our first ever Needs Assessments showed the most desired need from the locals before opening a clinic or Birth Waiting Home was education.
If you have questions related to Global Health or RHCI’s programs please email us at Maggiepilac@gmail.com
