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Standing: Astrid WOMBALANDO, Marta Klein, Dr. Jean Pierre BALIKENGE, Dr. Eric Gunnoe, Dr. Eddy YANGAKELE, Karen Goeke
Kneeling: Pastor Zagi, Alphonse NDOMBE, Jonas Bwazu WEDOBANA
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In September, a small Medical Ambassador team from the U.S. traveled to Wasolo for the first time, bringing with them skilled nurses from Karawa to train Wasolo medical staff in two courses: Helping Babies Breathe and Essential Care for Every Baby. Both courses are were developed by Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University and based on WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines.
The two courses are designed for nurses and nurse mid-wives who work daily with the delivery of infants. Along with course materials in French, the training includes hands-on practice using the newborn mannequins called NeoNatalie.
In addition, chlorhexidine gel was introduced to the Wasolo medical staff. This medication is used on a freshly cut umbilical cord to prevent infection and has been shown to reduce the 7 day mortality rate in infants. The Medical Ambassadors trained the Wasolo medical staff and Karawa nurses how to use this medication, without having the medication in hand! Fortunately, the six-month supply of chlorhexidine gel arrived in Wasolo right as the Medical Ambassador team was prepared to fly back to Karawa.
The medical staff at Wasolo hospital and surrounding clinics will be reporting on the use of the gel and will be expanding this training to more nurses in the Wasolo Health Zone. If the chlorhexidine gel proves to be an effective treatment in this setting, PCP Medical Ambassadors will develop a strategy with the Wasolo staff to support an on-going supply.
Thank you to everyone who gave towards this important trip to Wasolo!
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Jonas
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Mimi
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It was Thursday afternoon and we had finished the hardest days.
We were now testing the clinical skills of the 18 nurses who had just taken our routine newborn care course called Essential Care for Every Baby. The day was hot and very humid, as they usually are on the Equator, the kind of day that displaced Southerners like me long for. However, as I stood there, I started crying, and I wasn’t entirely sure why. In front of me stood Jonas, a gifted young man. I’d seen his friend and fellow student, Sister Mimi, stroll confidently past me during our hospital tour, sit down in front of a screaming Congolese child, and quickly slide an IV into his hand. That’s not easy to do. This takes skill and composure that few have. She looked over to see if we had been watching, saw me staring, and then pumped her fist in the air. I was happy for her. I want the world to know that doing something like that so handily rivals the three-point shooting prowess of Steph Curry. Jonas and Mimi had game and they were pleased to finally catch the world watching them. But were any of these a reason for me to cry? Read more.
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Everything (ok, mostly everything) you ever wanted to know about our Medical Ambassador program can be found in our new booklet, Becoming A Medical Ambassador. Download the booklet, learn more online, or contact us! We are happy to answer any questions you may have. |
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