Power Up Gambia Blog

Today was a trekking day – a day where community health nurses from Sulayman Junkung General Hospital pile in the ambulance and set up a primary care office at one of the hospital’s satellite clinics. Mike and I were in luck because today, the last Thursday of the month, they were going to Somita – our next solar project site. Somita village is not far from the hospital but the bumpy ride there makes it seem a bit longer. We arrived at Somita to find a large group of women and children waiting for us. We came with a full stock of antibiotics, malaria medications, birth control pills/injections, vaccines, paracetamol, and vitamin supplements.

We arrived at 10am, two hours late, but I have been told repeatedly that the Gambia runs on GMT – ‘Gambia Maybe Time,’ and no one seemed to mind the delay. Sesh, our PUG volunteer staying at Somita, met us at the gate to let us in. Ousman turned on the ambulance’s megaphone and called more women and children from the fields to come to the clinic. Soon we had a large crowd of patients waiting to be seen. 

The next five hours were a whirlwind. The clinic was buzzing with patients and the consultation rooms were at least 100 degrees. With no running water or electricity (we need to fix this!) properly caring for all of the patients was a challenge. Mike and I were in the middle of the action and saw everything from skin infections to abscesses to tumors. Sidu, the nurse at the Somita Clinic, takes care of patients daily, however, on trekking days he is especially busy. Although the purpose of the visit is to provide basic maternal and child healthcare, all medical complaints are seen to by Ousman, the most experienced nurse. I spent most of my time shadowing him as he examined the pregnant women. I am proud to say that, after a full day of practice, I can now tell how far along a woman is in her pregnancy by physical exam alone. 

Aminata, a sixteen year old girl and the last patient of the day, came to the clinic with stomach pain and nausea. Ousman immediately suspected that she was pregnant. A pregnancy test cost 40 dalasi ($1.60) which Aminata did not have so she returned home to find the money. An hour later, moments before we were about to leave, she came back with the necessary cash. A few minutes later, Ousman announced that the test was positive and upon physical exam determined that she was 20 weeks along in her pregnancy – half way! Aminata remained emotionless after hearing the news and stood up to leave. Ousman prodded to find out what she was feeling. As it turns out her husband has just divorced her and she is struggling to support herself. She cannot support both herself and a baby and does not know what to do. Ousman offered a few encouraging words but could not do anything else for her except suggest regular prenatal consultations. Then we were off back to the hospital – more work to do and more patients to see. Pulling away from the clinic, I was sobered by Aminata’s story, another reminder of how hard life here can be.

Ousman working hard! This little boy was petrified of my white skin it took 15 minutes of me talking and showing him pictures for him to be OK with me. He left laughing.

Binta, a beautiful girl from the village of Somita