UBUNTU – Phase I
In addition to support for the purchase of urgently needed medical equipment, the focus in the first phase was on further training measures that were adapted to the conditions and possibilities of the region. The medical staff in Istmina were trained in the best possible way for safe treatment and sensible decisions in dealing with corona (suspected) cases.
Specifically, we achieved the following in Phase 1 of Mission UBUNTU:
- The Eduardo Santos State Hospital in Istmina was equipped with the necessary medical equipment (among others):
- transportable oxygen equipment
- Aspirators
- Infrared thermometer
- Laryngoscopes
- Blood pressure machines
- A team led by Dr. Laureano Quintero, consisting of four paramedics and a female doctor, came to Istmina from Cali. There they provided free training to 33 health workers (including 27 women) on the following topics:
- Hygiene
- Basic life support (advanced first aid measures) especially for breathing problems/stoppage
- Electrocardiographic diagnosis followed by appropriate further treatment
- Information on treatments known to date for Covid-19
- Protocols for identification of covid-19, treatment options and procedures
- Correct use of protective clothing and materials
- A team of experts from Cali also provided telemedical support for the project.
- The measure was deliberately designed for sustainability: The medical staff not only received further medical training, but a direct link was also established with renowned clinics in Cali. This contact is to continue after Covid-19, so that Istmina can benefit from the expertise in Cali in medical matters and also offer better health care to the 130,000 inhabitants of the catchment area in the long term.
Period: April-May 2020
Places: Istmina
Project partners in Colombia: Diocese of Istmina-Tadó, Salamandra (international training centre for emergency and disaster relief), Eduardo Santos Hospital and Secretariat of Health of Istmina
Project partners in Germany/supporters: Soroptimists
Costs: approx. 47,000 € in total (financed)