CHANGE A LIFE - pediatric surgery in Sierra Leone

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities around the world.  And hit hard has been our team in Sierra Leone.

Earlier this month Dr. Lebbie lost one of his beloved friends, a surgeon that worked closely beside him in Sierra Leone.  He tragically died due to complications from Covid-19.  And recently we received word that a general surgery resident at the same hospital contracted the virus and has now died. This is a big loss to the hospital and the entire country of Sierra Leone considering the very small number of surgeons  in the country.  Not to mention the devastating impact on the families and friends of these surgeons!

Five other staff have tested positive and PPEs have largely been in short supply.  These events have brought on a lot of stress. 

The toll that this virus is taking on our surgeons and our team has been high. Yet, despite the risks, Dr. Lebbie remains on the frontlines caring for children who otherwise might not have a chance.

The pandemic is very real and hitting those on the margins of society the hardest.  Dr. Ken Muma, who leads our pediatric training program and who has trained many of our existing surgeons, recorded a one minute video about the impact that COVID-19 continues to have on children and those on the margins.  The video can be found and viewed as a "link".

As we all seek to find ways to cope with the various tragedies that plague the world in 2020 we have released our next instalment of devotional guides - this time on the theme of grief. This can be downloaded as a pdf doc.  Feel free to share these with whomever you think might benefit. 

We believe in the work we do and we want to continue to do the very best we can.  Know that BethanyKids, in the midst of these uncertain times, continues to provide compassionate, transformative and Christ-centered pediatric care in Sierra Leone and across Africa.

Thank you for supporting the work of BethanyKids thereby allowing us the privilege of caring for the children in our care!

Links:

• Video message from a BethanyKids Surgeon

• For such a time as this... (PDF)
  

Responding to COVID19

As with the rest of the world, BethanyKids is gearing up to take COVID-19 head on, and prayerfully, many lives will be spared due to the efforts of our team.

We want all of our donors and partners to know that BethanyKids is doing everything in our power to protect both staff and patients during this crisis.  All staff have reviewed proper hygiene procedures and precautions and are equipped with necessary supplies to prevent the spread of the virus.

We are ever so thankful that even in the midst of a world pandemic, Dr. Lebbie is able to continue offering medical treatment to the children in Sierra Leone.  The need for pediatric surgery never slows down and the volume of children he is treating in outpatient clinics continues to grow.  

Dr. Lebbie sends his humble gratitude to you!  Because of generous people like you, he is able to provide the much needed pediatric medical care for the children in Sierra Leone. Thank you!

Links:

• Video message from our Executive Director