Volunteering in Cameroon
Volunteer Nurse Eddis Adams, traveled to the Maria Rosa Nsisim Hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon to participate in The Volunteer Medical Rotation Program.
Eddis Adams, a nurse from Oakland, California, traveled to the Maria Rosa Nsisim Hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon for three weeks in August and September to participate in The Volunteer Medical Rotation Program. Enjoy Eddis’ blog.
I left my living quarters at 8:30 a.m. for the short walk to the Maria Rosa Nsisim Hospital. On my way, I say “Bonjour,” (one of the few words I know in French) to the women and children I passed. I stick out like a sore thumb! As I walk past the hospital security guard he says “Hello America,” I smile and once again repeat, “Bonjour!”
After arriving at the hospital, I immediately check on my little friend in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The baby is doing fine.
Soon I was off to the immunization clinic, to help draw up medications for the many immunizations that were given that day. The clinic was full of lots of adorable babies and some energetic toddlers. I made friends with two of the toddlers, and they even let me pick them up and hold them as the other received her immunizations. Here at Maria Rosa Hospital they offer free, government subsidized immunizations for the first year of life. It’s great to see so many of the moms taking advantage of this health service.
At around10:30. or 11:00 a.m., I attend rounds with one of the doctors on staff a the hospital. Most of the patients from yesterday went home earlier this morning. We saw a new malaria patient who came in with a headache and a temperature. The patient stated that his symptoms began earlier in the week. He took anti-malaria medication at home, but it was not helping. He was admitted today and will receive IV therapy for his malaria. We also visited a mom, who was in labor yesterday… going on her 3rd day of labor. She finally delivered a beautiful, healthy little girl earlier this morning. We also discharged the gentleman who was being treated following a stroke. His family has been taught by the physical therapist how to deliver physical therapy at home. Sadly, we also found out the lady who was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS past away early in the morning.
Back in the NICU, the 29-week baby remains stable, breathing room air and attempting to breastfeed.
Project HOPE continues to send volunteers to the hospital to help with job training for local doctors and nurses in addition to developing education and training programs and initiatives associated with improving women’s health and reducing neonatal mortality.