SOMALIA RELIEF MISSION (SRM) UPDATE
FACE of HARVEST (FoH) would like to thank you for your support and prayers toward the Somalia Relief Mission (conducted October 30-November 3rd, 2011). Please read select updates on the mission and enjoy the highlight slideshow depicting the effort below.
Medical Relief Report
The FoH Somalia Relief Mission's medical services extended to a total of 578 persons at the base clinic center and two field clinic locations. Children below 5 years of age accounted for 47.7% of all patients seen. The two field clinics netted 364 patients: 165 on the first day (1st Nov) and 199 on the second (2nd Nov). A total of 3 patients were referred to Modogashe hospital and Garissa Provincial Hospitals -they required services beyond what the medical team could offer, e.g. laboratory investigations and acute treatment. After the administration of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) it was encouraging to see children brighten up; in addition, the children should experience improved conditions post our visit in that mothers were provided with several sachets of ORS and advised how to use them at home.
Food Distribution Report
The FoH Somalia Relief Mission food distribution program catered to the needs of approximately 3 communities consisting of about 1,300 families in total. Considering an average family size of approximately 4-6, the food aid reached the needs of thousands of people. Procuring food supplies however was quite a challenge due to severe food shortages in the region. Consequently, FoH had to obtain most food supplies at somewhat discounted (and yet still costly) market rates from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. Relief food supplies consisted of: rice, beans, oil, and wheat-flour.
Future Needs
- A wholesale source of affordable staple food items.
- Nutritional supplements specifically catered to addressing malnutrition ailments of the children.
- A safe environment in which to undertake sessions of sharing the good-news, health education ranging from nutritional, hygiene, health seeking behaviours, family planning (with much caution given the Islam/Somali community belief structures) etc.
- Due to the lack of pit-latrines in the area FoH would like to erect a few toilets during our next mission in the Spring of 2012.
To support the ongoing Somalia Relief Mission please visit: Contribute! Thank you!
We are busy in the harvest-field! Why don’t you come join us?