As some may know I'm currently in Sierra Leone working as a paediatric doctor trying to help strengthen some aspects of services.
I'm working at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono- east of the country. My work as part of a national programme funded by WHO and DFID is to mentor and train nurses and other HCP's by delivering specific teaching on Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) - a tailored programme which helps to empower nurses to treat the sickest of children in a more timely and effective way. This teaching has proven effective in other regions in Africa and even colleagues of mine in Sierra Leone have seen improvements in paediatric mortality rates at the end of their programme.

This is a tall order though- to reduce mortality rates and sustain this once we're gone... Lots of ongoing work is happening by some very dedicated individuals to make sure this happens.
Paediatric mortality is one of the highest in the world specifically in the under 5 year age group. Children are dying in front of me on a daily basis of preventable diseases

The challenges are real- because of major national events over the years such as a civil war and more recently Ebola- there are big gaps in training amongst staff and many are volunteers as there is no money to pay them- they come to work just out of passion.

The availability of appropriate medicines, equipment and other resources is poor and the health system is struggling with too few doctors, nurses and other HCP's
There are of course many international NGO's working tirelessly all round the country doing their bit but so much more is needed.

Now I've been here 3 months, I can see what is required in our department and I'm asking for your help! I plan to come back to the UK in August and on my return it would be great to take back vital basic equipment to help the staff to continue to do the best they can.
Any small donations will be great and I will update with our progress.

Many thanks!
Alexis