Mali: report 2007

September 2007: The days brought good and not so good news. Even though several little souls have unfortunately left us this month, others have regained their taste for life. The smiles and re-found joy after the long days of suffering are true gifts for us and the motivation for our activities. How can one not be touched by these eyes shining with life ?

Another satisfaction was to receive the praise of the representative of the Hygiene Division of the National Mission for Supervision after his visit, regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of CSCOM.

But all these good results do not come without effort and this has been considerable.The night nurses taken on to cover when personnel are absent, remain. Sophie needs them to achieve her aims for the centre. Those who have never followed her everyday cannot imagine the size of the task.

Sometimes, she has been able to count on efficient help, a friend or a rare pearl, as has been the case with Marie-Eve, who came from Quebec for a little over two months. Through her competence, kindness and receptiveness she took up her place with a great deal of consideration. Adored by the children and appreciated by all, her departure has left a great hole. We wish her complete success in her studies, certain she will become a great doctor, and perhaps a humanitarian.

Than You Marie-Eve !

October 2007 : For several days now we have had the help of trainees from the Gao School of Nursing. This is of great benefit to Sophie and allows her to provide training to other community health centres. The high standards of this training have earned us a good reputation.

This year temperatures are exceptionally high following the rains, above 40° C. Conversely, the nights are fresh. Apart from several colds, the children are doing well. They are accustomed to the weekly milk distributions and claim their tickets happily, even the youngest child understands very well that this small piece of paper earns them the right to a packet of milk.

The arrival of Sébastien and his friend Ludovic has allowed us to clothe and provide shoes for the children which has made them very happy. Thank you to everyone who donated children's clothes and shoes.

The children in the nutrition unit are now warm thanks to the women of the Burtigny Bricole. Thank you for this lovely show of solidarity.

Ibrahim is three years old. He was malnourished and suffering from scurvy but has now been able to leave the centre. He is strong and well again and has returned to his family in a small village on the other side of the river.

However, the battle continues, as children recover and leave, more arrive to take their place.

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Sophie in the company of Dr Cissé and Assada, Head of CSCM Bouloundié.

Nouhoum 9 months old

Nouhoum being weighed following 3 weeks of treatment.







Ibrahim - before - after