tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post2688645531584507602..comments2023-09-16T04:58:07.261-04:00Comments on the Annandale Blog: Ossian Hall Park shows are overseen by Annandale activist Lassine DoumbiaAnnandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-54633815093684792742013-07-24T23:11:41.033-04:002013-07-24T23:11:41.033-04:00Current Projects
MALI
Mali is a large landlocked ...Current Projects<br /><br />MALI<br />Mali is a large landlocked Sahelian country with a per capita income of about $850 and a population of 11.6 million, Mali's economy is based on activities linked to agriculture (cotton, livestock, and cereals) and mining (gold). About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Less than 4% of Mali's land area is arable; its arid northern half is largely unproductive Saharan desert. The Niger and Senegal river basins in the eastern and western portions of the country, respectively, support a variety of cash and subsistence crops. Large, vibrant, informal trading and commercial sectors characterize the few urban centers. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export, along with gold. Mali's chief development challenges are: a high growth rate (3.1% per year), a young, poorly educated population (66% illiterate); a largely subsistence level of agricultural production with limited infrastructure; an agriculture economy dependent on rain fall, and an inadequate health care delivery system (one doctor per 20,000). Child mortality and morbidity have reached crisis proportions.<br /><br />Health<br /><br />DIHS was established out of passion: The "Sibiry Doumbia Memorial Health Center" is in the Commune of Moutougoula in the Village of Kougodjan. The outpatient clinic is the site where DIHS's clinical personnel, health agents and traditional birth attendants are based administratively. The services provided by the clinic include an expanded program of immunization of children less than 5 years of age to protect them against diseases, pre and post natal health care for women of reproductive age, family planning services and counseling, and nutritional recuperation for severely malnourished children. Soon we will incorporate micro-nutrient supplements, HIV/AIDS and STD education, prevention, counseling and testing. In addition to one Medical Doctors who oversee the clinic, the clinic has a staff of two nurses, a nurse's aide and two traditional birth attendants, access to a laboratory technician, and a pharmacist. In coming months we expect to train 20-40 health agents and traditional birth attendants.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Many of the health issues faced by the Malian population can be ameliorated through changes in behavior. DIHS recognizes that an essential element to changing behavior is to apply a variety of techniques to make the general population aware of health risks. Special focus has been, therefore, given to children, young adults and women in the communities served. In December 2004, DIHS organized a workshop for the inhabitants of Koungodjan and neighboring villages to address the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, the importance of breast feeding, and the promotion of family planning. DIHS has commenced preventive care activities in the area of HIV/AIDS with youth retreats and follow-up sessions with youth clubs. In addition to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, our clinic soon will begin testing individuals and provide counseling for those who are infected and affected by the deadly disease.<br /><br />DIHS promotes Safe Drinking Water. As part of the program in Mali, a village mobilization component is being implemented to promote community dialogue and collective action around safe water and water treatment. DIHS is leading the implementation of this component. A major activity of this component includes community and household monitoring for water treatment behaviors and practices.<br /><br /> Lassine Doumbiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12755194307421170465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-39725041088825555512013-07-21T18:16:50.079-04:002013-07-21T18:16:50.079-04:00What a fabulous example of giving back to the comm...What a fabulous example of giving back to the community! Thank you, Lassine!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com