Nurses and midwives at the Keur Niene Serere health post provide medical care for the immediate and satellite communities.
Imagine having to travel long distances, by foot or donkey cart, to seek medical care. For many in rural Senegal this is a reality, because access to facilities with trained medical staff is extremely limited. This is why for years we have been partnering with local leadership to build health posts in rural Senegalese communities.
Health posts become a beacon in the community; not only do the local midwives and nurses provide much needed medical care for the immediate and satellite communities, but the physical building itself meets the unique needs of each community.
The courtyard of the Keur Niene Serere health post where trees have recently been planted.
Fruit-bearing trees are planted in the courtyard, providing precious shade and nutritious food. This shade creates a comfortable location for community education programs, such as workshops on health and sanitation, empowering local families to take control of their own health.
Further, health posts enable urban medical staff to serve remote communities that would otherwise not have access to vaccines and other preventative healthcare.
Mothers and babies patiently wait their turn to receive vaccinations.
Vaccinations are transported in ice chests. Once they reach the health post they must be administered immediately.
Many rural communities have limited or no access to electricity. The heath posts utilize solar technology to provide lighting, but higher-draw appliances such as refrigerators require too much electricity for these solar units.
Nearly all vaccines must be refrigerated, which means they cannot be stored at the health post but rather must be brought from larger cities for immediate administration. Their arrival is much anticipated, and in the course of a single afternoon hundreds of children can receive these necessary vaccinations.
Urban medical staff use rural health posts to provide vaccines and other preventative care for communities that would otherwise not have access.
Community leaders are continually asking us to build health posts in their towns. The need is great. Last year we visited Paymar village and toured their existing health building. The structure and equipment are old and outdated, and the community has exceeded the capacity of the existing facility.
The desk for checking in patients at the current Paymar health facility. A new building is under construction and will be completed soon.
For several years, members of Hub City Church (Albany, Oregon) have donated to build health posts in rural Senegal. To date they have funded eight buildings (!!) and just added another one this year.
Enjoying a post-vaccination lolly pop.
Because of their commitment, the community of Paymar will have a new health post; construction is underway and will be completed very soon.
Health posts empower local families to take control of their own health.
We are excited to be part of a global village that values access to healthcare for all and are looking forward to seeing the health of this village and the surrounding community benefit because of it.
Would you like to make a difference? All gifts, big and small, make a lasting impact. Please consider making (or increasing) a monthly donation. You would be surprised what just $5 a month can accomplish! Click here to make a gift or set up a monthly donation. If you would like to make changes to your existing donation contact Crystal, our Development Director at (541) 224-7990 or crystal@andando.org
You can also help by sharing this opportunity with your service club, church, friends, and family. To schedule a speaking engagement, contact Crystal at crystal@andando.org or (541) 224-7990.
A huge THANK YOU to all our partners who helped make this a reality!