Today we are picked up by Mariama in a Keke with a driver to ride to Connaught Hospital in downtown Freetown. This the largest government hospital in Sierra Leone. Mariama is a student at a local university studying Laboratory Science. Mariama was a patient of our daughter Alyssa on the Africa Mercy in 2011.
We enjoyed a tour of the lab by one of the laboratory techs. He was very complementary of Mariama’s knowledge and work ethic. We are very proud of what she has accomplished. The lab had analyzers and printer to print out results. They had some very modern equipment in the Microbiology lab donated by a organization in England. Mariama showed us how they test for Sickle Cell Anemia.
The time at the lab was very enjoyable as they were ending their week celebrating Professional Laboratory Professional Week. We were waiting in their break room as Mariama was helping organize lunch for the staff. Finally a young woman comes in with a large tub on her head. It was filled with fried rice!
They really do have fun celebrating!
Tim and I were invited to join the laboratory staff and student interns for a walk the next morning from Congo Cross to Aberdeen Beach to celebrate Medical Laboratory week. It was quite an event, with the boombox blaring Sierra Leonean music and marching down the street dodging Kekes. It was also quite hot and about 5 kilometers. But we made it and were glad to rest at the beach. A great experience!
Tim & Kathy Simonsen 