"Don’t worry, you are going to get well soon. Abu Bakarr Kanu has made excellent progress in his recovery from severe burns he suffered in March of 2017. Since that time, Mercy Hospital has been committed to his care and recovery. Abu Bakarr lived for months at Mercy Hospital, so that he could receive around the clock care. Additionally, The Child Rescue Centre provided weekly counseling sessions to help him to cope. Abu Bakarr and his brothers Yahyah and Mohamed were officially enrolled in the Child Rescue Centre, and last fall, he was able to move home with brothers, uncle and grandmother, and begin classes at the Bo Kulanda Town Primary School. Abu Bakarr loves school, and is getting good grades. His best subjects are English and mathematics, and he spends a lot of time studying for both. His best friend in school is named Brian, and they are also in the same class. Brian and Abu Bakarr love to play and read together. His brothers continue to encourage him in his recovery, telling him often, “don’t worry, you are going to get well soon.” Abu Bakarr’s wounds are still healing, as healing from serious burns is a long and laborious process. He is happy to be home and going to school, but he still visits Mercy regularly to get his bandages changed, and to allow the Mercy staff to track his progress. Fortunately, Abu Bakarr's family lives close to both the school and Mercy Hospital, and he has many friends who are happy to walk with him to school and to the hospital. Neither is far, but he needs to take breaks along the way.
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Though progress on construction came to a halt during the recent presidential elections in Sierra Leone, the finishing touches are at last being completed on the expansion at Mercy Hospital. The electrical wiring and three air conditioners have been installed. These units are a critical part of keeping patients and doctors comfortable and safe during surgical procedures. The remaining items to be completed are primarily cosmetic; finishing the ceilings, installing light fixtures, covering pipes, installing doors for the operating rooms, finishing the ramp, and completing the waiting area. Additional facility issues at Mercy have also been addressed. One of the things Mercy has wanted to do for a long time is to better ensure the security of the compound. Mercy was able to use some savings to build a wall behind the hospital, extending from the Child Rescue Centre on one side, to the old wall that surrounds UMC Urban Centre on the other to create a U shape. The new wall will limit the number of people who use Mercy’s grounds as a pass through, and help the hospital secures its own and patients’ property. It will also strengthen disease control by allowing staff to monitor people entering the compound, and ensuring everyone washes their hands as they pass through the guard station. If a contagious disease breaks out, Mercy will be in a much stronger position to contain infection and protect patients and staff. New fencing was also installed around the ash pits and garbage container, to ensure proper containment of hazardous materials. Several months ago, Mercy Hospital successfully treated a small boy who had suffered second degree burns on his hands. The mother could not afford to pay for the child's treatment, but Mercy treats all patients regardless of their ability to pay. His mother returned to the hospital to show her appreciation to Mercy staff for the care they provided to her little boy, who has healed well from his injuries. Burn injuries are among the most devastating and traumatic injuries, and are a major contributor to child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization. |
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©2017 - 2021 Helping Children Worldwide
All donations in the United States are tax-deductible in full or part. | Donor and Privacy Policy
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