Mali: report 2011

April 2011 :  Sophie took part in a meeting in Sévaré to discuss future plans for the population in the north of the country.  A consortium representing several organisations has been established.  It will operate in Gao under the leadership of Sophie who knows the needs of the ‘forgotten people’ better than anyone.

In Gao the orphans are unconcerned by the problems of the adults and the heat and have their attention firmly fixed on the ripe mangoes and biscuits we are offering them.  Their only concern, each Thursday, is to receive their ration. 
The excessively high temperatures result in the usual outbreaks of rashes on the children’s faces.  These are not serious and will be effectively dealt with by the use of talc.

Whilst supervising the Djebock area, Sophie discovers several cases of malnutrition in baby twins.  She leaves, with Darha, who knows the area well, to find them and refer them and their mothers to Gao for treatment.

May 2011 :  It is still very hot and numerous electricity and water cuts make the difficult situation even worse.  Food distributions to the orphans have to take place before sunrise.  Sophie says that there are no words to describe the conditions they are living under.  Even at night there is no respite from the heat.  Everyone is exhausted.

With 15 infants hospitalised in the Nutritional Recovery Unit space is running short and the treatment room is never empty.  As soon as a child recovers his place is taken by another.

June 2011  :  At the Centre work has fallen behind schedule due to the daily power cuts.  It is impossible to make doors and windows without electricity.

The first, early, rains have arrived but pose no threat to the building which is now water resistant.  Unfortunately the extremely high temperatures threaten to scorch the new plants which have just started to grow.

The orphans are doing well and continue to enjoy their delicious mangoes.  A young neighbour has arranged for us to receive 30% more for the same price.

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