Switzerland
Pre-screenings prepare the way
10.03.2011- Months ahead of the ship, doctors head up country for screenings so people who live far from the ocean can also have the chance of a life-changing surgery.
Flyers and posters with photos of the conditions treated by Mercy Ships doctors helped get the message out prior to the local screenings.
Partnering with local health authorities, pre-screenings were held at government hospitals in the cities of Kenema, Makeni, Bo, Kono and Kabala.
On the first pre-screening, between 1,500-2’000 people pressed into the waiting area hoping to be seen by Mercy Ships doctors.
Shawls and baggy clothing often hide disfigurements.
With only two doctors for 100,000 people in Sierra Leone, the Africa Mercy’s visit to the port of Freetown during 2011 promises healing for many. This time, well ahead of the hospital ship’s arrival into port, a dedicated team of surgical professionals joined the advance team and headed up country for pre-screenings in five key provinces of the nation.
These smaller screenings are in addition to the larger stadium screening traditionally held after the ship’s arrival into port but very important since transportation costs can be a hindrance for many to travel to the main screening site in the capital city.
Since many of the potential patients are not able to read, radio announcements, photo flyers and posters were posted in outlying areas to broadcast the message locally about these local screenings. Before-and-after-photos of conditions treated on ship helped local hospitals, churches, and government offices communicate the kind of problems that could be addressed on board our ship.
Perhaps more debilitating than disease is the shame that keeps patients hidden. Most often, friends or family bring them in. Shawls and baggy clothing hide disfigurements. Many keep their eyes on the ground, too embarrassed to look doctors in the eye. But they come by the hundreds, hoping.
