Preventable but Deadly
January 15th, 2010 Posted in INMED
So far since we have been here two children have presented with Tetanus at the hospital. There is treatment available for tetanus if the patient arrives at the hospital during the early stages of their illness; however, if they wait it is a painful and agonizing death to experience and watch. Unfortunately, all to often at the BMC a mother has to watch her son or daughter go through such an agonizing death of contractions, shaking, and fighting for a breath. I saw this same thing happen the last time I was here and it breaks your heart to know that this could easily be prevented if this child was vaccinated. Sadly, many here still have not been vaccinated due to access.
Again, it makes me realize how blessed we are in the USA where every child is offered vaccinations, no matter if their parents are unable to pay for them. For those in the States who decide not to vaccinate their children, they would quickly change their mind if they spent one day here at the BMC.
Oh, Lailah is still doing great. She has made many friends; eaten all different types of Ghanaian bugs and dirt, and mom washes her about 4-5 times a day.
Micah