This year, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Health Day, April 7, will kick off “a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health through its campaign “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” to urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.”
At Bread and Water for Africa® it’s a mission that we share with WHO as thanks to our loyal and generous supporters here in the United States we have been able to provide healthcare to hundreds of thousands – if not millions – in sub-Saharan African countries throughout our decades of service.
Our healthcare programs in Sierra Leone, Cameroon and elsewhere focus especially on the needs of expectant mothers by providing micronutrient supplements to ensure their babies are born healthy, and that they and their mothers remain so long afterwards.
And today, thanks once again to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, hundreds of residents in the Kagbiama community and its ten surrounding villages in Sierra Leone including many mothers and young children are healthier and happier having received the medical treatment they required, reports Rural Youth Development Organization – Sierra Leone (RYDO-SL) program director Joseph Kobba.
Among them are:
Adama Sombie and daughter
When Mrs. Adama Sombie noticed her young daughter, Janet, was struggling with a severe cough, she felt a wave of panic wash over her, reported Joseph.
“The cough was persistent and alarming, and she knew she had to act quickly,” he told us. “Without hesitation, she rushed her to the Bumpe Community Health Center, where dedicated health professionals were ready to help.
Upon arrival, Community Health Officer Foday conducted a thorough examination and performed various medical tests to determine the cause of Janet’s distressing cough. After identifying the underlying issues, she was admitted for proper medical treatment.
“While at the health center, Janet received the care and medicines she needed and with each passing day, she grew stronger and healthier,” said Joseph. “After dedicated treatment, Janet was discharged, free from the cough that had once plagued her.
“Overjoyed, Mrs. Sombie returned to the health center with her healthy daughter, eager to express her heartfelt gratitude.”
In her emotional message, she stated, “I cannot find the words to thank RYDO-SL and its donors, Bread and Water for Africa® and Map International (which provided the donated medicines), for the incredible support we received.
“The care and dedication of CHO Foday and the entire health team saved my daughter’s life.
“With the help of God, my Janet is healthy again, and I am forever grateful for the kindness shown to us during our time of need.”
Her story powerfully reminds us of compassionate healthcare’s impact on families and communities,” says Joseph. “With continued support, Mrs. Sombie believes that even more lives can be transformed and saved.”
Baindu Alie and her twins
Baindu, a 22-year-old resident of the Kpetema community, recently shared her inspiring journey during her pregnancy. Throughout this time, she regularly visited the Kpetema Community Health Center, receiving essential care and support from the dedicated nurse, Baby Korku.
Thanks to the Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and micronutrient supplements she received, Baindu nourished her body and supported the healthy development of her babies, reported Joseph.
“With immense joy, Baindu welcomed the arrival of her twins, a beautiful boy and a girl,” he told us.
And reflecting on her experience, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude:
“I am so thankful for the micronutrient supplements provided to me during my pregnancy which made a significant difference in my health and my babies’ health.
“I am also grateful to Nurse Baby for her care and support throughout this journey. I appeal for more assistance for our community, as many mothers need this vital support to ensure their children’s health.”
Jatu Dauda and infant daughter
Jatu is a 30-year-old mother of three who lives with her husband, a farmer, and their young children in the remote village of Momendae, located two miles from the Sahn Health Center.
Jatu’s family often faces financial hardships, making it challenging to seek medical care, especially for urgent health issues.
Recently, one of Jatu’s children, a 7-month-old girl, developed a high fever that lasted for two consecutive days, followed by a skin rash, reported Joseph.
“Due to the family’s lack of funds, Jatu struggled to raise the necessary money to take her child to the health center,” said Joseph.
“While searching for a loan to pay for her child’s treatment, a friend from the community advised her to take her daughter to the Sahn Health Center, informing her that free medications were available for both adults and children.
“This friend also shared her experience of receiving free treatment for her child at the health center just a month earlier, which encouraged Jatu.”
Motivated by her friend’s story, Jatu took her daughter to the health center despite the distance. Upon arrival, Nurse Baindu examined Jatu’s daughter who was diagnosed with an acute skin infection and treated with medications to alleviate her symptoms and aid in her recovery.
After three days of treatment, Jatu’s daughter showed significant improvement, and her condition stabilized,” Joseph told us. “She was discharged from the health center and returned to Momendae village with her mother.”
Jatu expressed deep gratitude for her daughter’s care during their difficult time, saying
“I want to thank God, RYDO-SL and partners Bread and Water for Africa and MAP International, and Nurse Baindu for treating my child freely during our poor economic status.
“My child could have continued to suffer, as we have no money for our health needs. I had to walk two miles to get to the nearby clinic.
“Without the support from the health center, I don’t know what we would have done.
Thank you for making such an impact on our lives. I will forever be grateful for this help.”
