ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT UPDATE

The second week of February, Drs. Benjamin Harris and Jason Walsh gave a series of advanced life support update workshops, specifically focused on obstetric emergencies. We consider this of great importance, since it complements the efforts made by the Red Code Program team developed by the Ministry of Public Health throughout the national territory, under the coordination of Dr. Daniel Ramalho, who generously shared his training models with us. This program was implemented by the Ministry with the intention that the health personnel will be able to identify an obstetric emergency and perform urgent assessment of the patient. Thus, in case a pregnant woman presents hemorrhage, eclampsia or convulsions, the team will be able to respond quickly.

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MATERNAL MORTALITY IN LATIN AMERICA

Maternal death is internationally recognized as an indicator of development and currently as one of increasing importance in health. This is so, because maternal mortality is avoidable, and its prevention depends directly on the coverage and quality of health services.

The choice of this topic seemed to us of fundamental importance, since Paraguay reports one of the highest rates of maternal death in Latin America. Thus, in the ranking of the Latin American countries in which more women died due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, for every 100,000 live births; Paraguay ranks 4th behind Haiti, Bolivia and Nicaragua; with approximately 130 deaths per 100,000. Meanwhile, Argentina has approximately 50, Peru 70, Brazil 40, and Chile 20.

As the image shows, Paraguay is one of the 3 countries in South America with the highest rates of maternal death.

Source: WHO World Health Organization 2015 en Universidad New South Wales Australia.

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VISIT OF VOLUNTEER PROFESSIONALS UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

At the beginning of February, medical students who have just finished their studies at the University of Oxford arrived to participate as a support to the projects with which we are working within theGynecology and Obstetrics Service of the Hospital de Clínicas. Specifically, the Pre-eclampsia prevention and treatment project that has been implemented for several months now. The young doctors are Dr. Joseph O ‘Sullivan, who will remain until the end of March, and Dr. Lia Orlando, who stayed for two weeks. We are very grateful to them, as well as to the families who received them in their homes.

 “ÑANGAREKO SPACE” IS STRENGTHENED

The adolescent clinic “Espacio Ñangareko” created with the support of our Foundation in the Hospital de Clinicas continues to strengthen its operation at a steady pace. A key element for this is the obstetrician Juanita González, who is part of the team since the beginning of the activities in December 2017. She is efficient and responsible, she has a warm and kind attitude with the patients, and today she shares with us some impressions about her daily work:

“In these first 3 months we’ve had a very rewarding experience in the attention of our young adolescents who come to the clinic.
This is an integral space where we receive everyone with quality and human warmth, cordial treatment so they want to return to visit us without setbacks.

I hope this space continues to grow to help girls and their families, giving them the best of us”.

Juanita González

Bachelor in Obstetricia

INAUGURATION OF CLINIC “ESPACIO ÑANGAREKO”

On December 11, 2017, in partnership with the National University of Asunción, we opened the first “Ñangareko Place” Clinic. A clinic designed for the exclusive use of young women and adolescents under 20 years of age for their sexual and obstetric health.

We started working on the building in September 2017, with the help of Karina Bittar from DOXA, who transformed the space into a light, spacious and comfortable place, with a roomy reception area and 3 private clinic boxes. Each consulting room is equipped with modern and practical equipment that provides doctors everything they need to offer a good level of care, while maintaining a comfortable and non-threatening environment for our patients. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive service, with on-site diagnostic tests, ready supply of medicines and vitamins, in addition to orientation in various contraceptive options.

We are delighted with our opening event. The resident doctors were excellent ambassadors of the University and the Clinic, giving presentations of what they learned last year and we received a very positive reception from all our guests.

Juan Enrique Rassmuss Raier, President of the FJRE, sharing a few words at the inauguration.

Joanne Avery, Vice President of FJRE, Prof. Dr. Carol Lole-Harris Senior Medical Advisor and Prof. Dr. David Harris with the proud organizing and clinical team

COMFORT FOR OUR BENEFICIARIES

But much more important is how the clinic has been received by the more than 300 young women already received until the end of February, who have given us positive comments about the new facilities and the professional support received at Espacio Ñangareko, which is open from 7:00 and until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Tuesday morning).

Some comments, shared from our Guestbook, which is available at the clinic to receive observations and suggestions.

STAFF COMMITMENT

One of the most important elements in the success of the clinic is the support and commitment of our staff. We are very lucky having Dr. Celia Vázquez coordinating the unit. She has managed to maintain a positive attitude, even when things get difficult. She is highly appreciated by the patients and has been a great contribution for the starting of the clinic.
Her comments on how the first weeks of the clinic have been:

“The Espacio Ñangareko is a friendly place for adolescent care, which opened its doors on December 14, 2017, and since then, the number of patients has increased, due to the flexibility in the hours of service, which extends Monday through Friday from 07:00 to 17:00, except on Tuesday mornings. As a professional dedicated to the care of teenagers, I feel very proud to be able to work in this space, which has all the comfort to develop our task in the best way. It is important to point out that with the increase in the number of consultations, it is necessary to increase the number of professionals trained in the care of adolescents.

Thank you Juan Rassmuss Echecopar Foundation for investing in the integral health of Paraguayan adolescents, and thanks to the Head of the Department for enabling this to take place. ”

Dr. Celia Vázquez

Child and Adolescent Gynecology Specialist

SPECIAL THANKS

Many people have helped in various ways to start up this clinic, and we will use this space to thank some people specifically. This month we want to highlight: