Ebou spent his leave in December and January at home in Penyem and was able to visit many of the birthing house newborns.
The battery system isn't being used to full capacity as the centre is only open during the day, so cables could be run from the clinic to the birthing centre and that would provide power to the centre itself!
He is currently doing a budget projection for this. It would be a significant improvement to the house, and ensure more sustainable lighting for nighttime deliveries. Here is the latest budget for the house:
And I am thrilled to share that I will be going back to the Gambia in April for a visit! I can't wait to see everyone in Penyem and to spend some time with the grandmothers, mothers and babies!
We'll have two big milestones to celebrate soon: the second anniversary of the opening and when we reach fifty safe and comfortable births in the house Celebrations will most certainly be in order!
Thanks once again to everyone near and far who has so generously supported this project and the people of Penyem.
As of mid-January, the total count was 45 babies born in house! Here are some of them with their families:
Here are some recent shots of the birth register:
Can you believe we've made it to 45 moms and babies already in the house? How exciting!
Ebou also documented some of the work that has been done recently on the house, including termite spraying. Termites are unfortunately a very common problem in the Gambia, but they were nipped in the bud. The house has been sprayed and re-plastered and is good as new.
The traditional birth attendant is also getting great use out of the new stove to sterilize her instruments.
Ebou spent some time discussing upcoming plans with the women. They had a great idea for lighting the house, as both the original lamps and the headlamps that replaced them have burnt out. They suggested using the solar panels and battery backup system already set up at the village health clinic for power.
He is currently doing a budget projection for this. It would be a significant improvement to the house, and ensure more sustainable lighting for nighttime deliveries. Here is the latest budget for the house:
And I am thrilled to share that I will be going back to the Gambia in April for a visit! I can't wait to see everyone in Penyem and to spend some time with the grandmothers, mothers and babies!
We'll have two big milestones to celebrate soon: the second anniversary of the opening and when we reach fifty safe and comfortable births in the house Celebrations will most certainly be in order!
Thanks once again to everyone near and far who has so generously supported this project and the people of Penyem.
