Mayo hospital inspires doctor to shine light on inequality in Kenya
A placement in Mayo University Hospital for a young doctor who is training in obstetrics and gynaecology has led to a major boost in funds for one Irish charity working with impoverished communities in Kenya.
Dr. Sara Mohan worked in Mayo University Hospital (MUH) last year and was hugely impressed and inspired by the partnership it has with Londiani Sub County Hospital in Kenya, through the WHO 'Twinning Partnership for Improvement' approach.
She is undertaking the Westport Sea 2 Summit this weekend to raise funds for a baby unit.
She stated: “I worked with a fantastic bunch of midwives and doctors in MUH.
"I went to Londiani, Kenya, this year with some obstetricians from Ireland and with Brighter Communities Worldwide, an incredible Irish charity which is celebrating 20 years working with people in Londiani Sub County across health, education and economic empowerment programmes.
"We met the wonderful midwives there and discussed a joint audit project between the two hospitals to improve outcomes for babies.
"I wanted to do something to raise as much money as I could for the baby unit and the Sea2Summit was the perfect opportunity.
“The team doing the fundraiser for Brighter Communities Worldwide is made up of midwives and doctors from Mayo University Hospital.
"It's a 30 km race with a few components to it: 4 km run, 11 km cycle, 3 km mountain run up and down half of Croagh Patrick, then finishing with another 11 km cycle and 4 km run. Sure, we’ll have great craic.
“The team in Kenya has a wealth of knowledge on maternal and newborn care.
"However, they face challenges with the limited resources available to their newborn unit.
"It was clear from the time I spent there, that building on their current newborn unit is a project they are passionate about.
"Improving the unit will mean better scope to care for newborn babies reducing the need for referrals to the County Hospital.
"It is often in the referral process that challenges occur which cause further risk to baby's health and life.
"Support from Brighter Communities Worldwide will help them provide their excellent care with less stress for both patients and staff.
“We are excited in Mayo to raise money for our fellow Kenyan midwives and doctors who share the same goal and vision of giving great care to babies and mothers.
"We are grateful to the people of the local community here in Mayo for their support of this project, they are helping to #ShineALightOnInequality."