Local Event Highlights Health Successes in West Africa

by Fran Snedeker

(February 2, 2006) Most of the news coming out of Africa has been dismal, with no apparent relief in sight, but there are many positive changes taking place in the region that are not often reported in the media. Getting out some good news, however, was the point of a recent Larchmont event at which 30 guests heard about major health and community improvements in the West African country, Guinea. Two Guinean health leaders, Moustapha Diallo and Dr. Alpha Barry, reported on their country, key health concerns, and solutions they have successfully implemented as part of their work at EngenderHealth, an international non-profit health organization located in New York City.

Kolaboui Health Center in Guinea provides a range of medical and educational services.

Mr. Diallo recalled the pain he and his family suffered when his young niece died from an unsafe abortion. He vowed then and there to do something positive. Since 1998, Mr. Diallo, Dr. Barry, and the EngenderHealth staff have been partnering with religious groups, mining companies, and community organizations throughout Guinea to improve women’s and men’s health through training and education on family planning, prevention and treatment of malaria, (the number one killer in Guinea), obstetric fistuala, HIV/AIDS, and post-abortion care. Mr. Diallo and Dr. Barry also work with men to raise their awareness about the vital role men can have as partners with women to ensure safe motherhood and the health of their children.

Guests at the January 26 event ranged from 16 to 88, and many of the younger attendees were intent on pursuing a career working with women in Africa on gender equity issues. They took the opportunity to press the EngenderHealth staff about the possibilities of making a difference for their counterparts in Africa and Asia.

Another guest, Larchmont’s Ronda Lustman, found, "One of the key issues for me in that night’s dialogue was the discussion of the local and international political implications of post-abortion care.” She was impressed that Engenderhealth uses that care to save women’s lives and “also as an opportunity to educate them and to involve their husbands in family planning."

"Here in the U.S. we are accustomed to the notion of women's rights,” said Kevin Ryan, another guest.  He suggested, “By working for women's health, EngenderHealth is also playing a vital role in promoting women's  rights.  The two go hand in hand."

Mr. Diallo and EngenderHealth’s CEO Dr. Ana Langer were interviewed on the “Future Choices” program on LMC-TV (Channel 75). This show, “EngenderHealth – Growing Choice in Guinea and Beyond,” will air throughout February on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9 pm and in the 3-hour cycle thereafter. See LMC’s current schedule.

Fran Snedeker is on the the board of EngenderHealth and hosts the "Future Choices" show on LMC-TV.

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