Our next project is the construction of a Primary Health Center. In Konkourona, there is no access to any form of healthcare. Traditional medicine practices are used at first and if additional care is needed villagers must walk, bike, or hitch a ride for over 50 miles to the city of Bobo Dioulasso. It takes about two and a half hours to drive the dirt road to the city, a critical loss of time on patients with emergent medical needs.
Because of a lack of medical access, almost every family in Konkourona has lost at least one child. It is common for families to have 5 or more children in the hope that some will survive measles, diarrhea, malaria, and acute respiratory infections. Access to basic healthcare in a remote area like Konkourona can save many lives. Our Primary Health Center will have running water, a first in the village, a maternity area, a pediatric area, and a vaccination office. Both preventative and emergency care will be available. The Association hopes to lower childhood and maternal mortality rates and increase the life expectancy well beyond the current average of 61 years.
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