An editorial report exploring the role and effects of traditional medicine within communities of Sierra Leone by Madeleine von Haniel Torr What we in the Western world call “traditional medicine” is an ancient practice, and draws on local knowledge, culture and religion to heal1. Though the developed world has largely seen a move away […]
Sister Fasia, Head Midwife at Magbenteh Community Hospital, recently attended a National Harmonised Emergency Obstetric and New Born Care (EMNOC) Training at the Regional Hospital, Makeni. Conducted by UKAID, WHO, UNFPA, and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the training focused on major causes of maternal, prenatal morbidity and mortality, the associated risk factors and […]
Meet 1-and-a-half-year-old, Zainab, who was admitted to Magbenteh Community Hospital Children’s Ward 10 days ago weighing just 4kg. Zainab arrived with her mother having travelled from their small village, 30 kilometres away from our health facility with acute malnutrition. Her mother explained that her husband had been severely sick, using all the money they had […]
Hepatitis is a prevalent condition in Sierra Leonean communities. It is transmitted through various methods but all include contamination through HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) infected blood or bodily fluids. The main symptom of the disease is inflammation of the liver, leading to stomach distention and pain the abdomen. The patient may also have yellow-stained skin. […]
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure and is a killer condition especially in an environment where there are no campaigns geared towards its awareness or methods of early diagnosis. Hypertension is particularly on the rise in Sierra Lone due to socioeconomic stress, especially in areas of poverty. Hypertension is extremely prominent in our […]
The correct dispensation of medication to the communities of Sierra Leone is paramount to ensure a safe and healthy nation. At Magbenteh Community Hospital we are working hard to prevent drug resistance and the global phenomenon of self-medication. In Sierra Leone the adult illiteracy rate is 41%, according to the United Nations Development Programme, therefore […]
SSLDF was delighted to welcome three students from Alma College, Michigan during the month of June; Danny, Destiny and Jack. Danny and Destiny executed education placements at Magbenteh Community Boarding School, rotating through each of the five classes during their 4 weeks in Sierra Leone. Both volunteers have been an inspiration to the students and […]
Typhoid is one of the most common infectious diseases in Sierra Leone, caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium. The bacteria lives in the intestines and bloodstreams of humans, spread through the contamination of food and water. In a developing country such as Sierra Leone, typhoid is more common risk, especially with poor hygiene in food […]
Every year on the 16th June, children all over Africa celebrate the International Day of the African Child. This date marks the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on which 10,000 South African children marched in protest for their poor quality of education, demanding to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot […]
Magbenteh Community Hospital recently waved goodbye to Madeleine, a fourth year medical student from the University of Birmingham. She shares her experience with us: “For all medical students in the United Kingdom, the Elective period is a chance to observe in medical practice in a new environment, either at home or abroad. I chose to […]
