By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Saint Anthony Clinic for the Poor, located on Syke Street in Brookfields, Freetown, recently hosted its 2nd Annual Baby Show, a celebration dedicated to pregnant women, nursing mothers and their infants who benefit from the clinic’s services. The event, held at the Saint Anthony Hall, attracted a diverse gathering including beneficiaries, healthcare professionals and representatives from key sponsoring organizations such as Caritas Freetown, the Healey Foundation and Vitamin Angels. Fathers were also in attendance, underscoring the growing recognition of their role in maternal and infant healthcare.

Dr. Sylvia Yomba Fasuluku, the District Medical Officer for the Western Rural Area, delivered the keynote address, commending the unwavering commitment of the clinic’s donors and staff in supporting maternal and infant health. She underscored the critical role of fathers in accompanying their pregnant partners to medical appointments, emphasizing that their presence fosters emotional and physical well-being. Dr. Sylvia Yomba Fasuluku also urged expectant mothers to prioritize their health by adhering to scheduled medical check-ups and prescribed treatments to ensure safe deliveries and healthy newborns.

Highlighting the clinic’s enduring impact, Sister Anita A. Ganda, the Sister-in-Charge, reflected on its more than three decades of service. Since its establishment in 1994, the clinic has provided care to over 32,000 patients, maintaining an impressive record of zero maternal or neonatal fatalities. She attributed this success to the clinic’s unwavering commitment to ethical and quality healthcare, which has drawn patients from even the most remote areas of Freetown. Expressing gratitude to the sponsors, she encouraged expectant and nursing mothers to maximize the benefits of the clinic’s services, particularly the vital nutritional supplements provided by Vitamin Angels.

Victoria Middleton, Director for Development and Government Relations at the Healey Foundation, lauded the dedication of the clinic’s staff, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to supporting maternal and child healthcare. She encouraged mothers to remain diligent in attending medical visits, ensuring their children receive timely vaccinations and adhere to prescribed treatments.

Speaking on behalf of Vitamin Angels, founder ,Howard Schiffer, outlined the organization’s mission to combat malnutrition among pregnant women and children. He emphasized the importance of providing proven nutritional solutions to enhance maternal and child health, revealing the organization’s ambitious target of impacting 140 million women and children annually by 2033.

Caritas Freetown’s Executive Director, Fr. Peter Conteh, echoed the importance of male involvement in maternal healthcare. He urged men to actively support their partners by attending clinic visits and ensuring they receive necessary medical care. He also commended the contributions of the Healey Foundation and Vitamin Angels in sustaining the clinic’s operations and enhancing maternal and child health services.

Ishmeal Alfred Charles, the In-Country Manager for the Healey Foundation, acknowledged the exceptional dedication of the clinic’s healthcare providers. He also recognized the indispensable support of Vitamin Angels in supplying essential medications for pregnant women and children. Ishmeal Alfred Charles reiterated the Foundation’s continued commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare across Sierra Leone.

Among the beneficiaries, nursing mother Lucy Serri expressed profound appreciation for the sponsors and clinic staff. She praised the healthcare team for their professionalism and compassionate care, noting their unwavering dedication to patients.

A lively blend of educational and cultural activities was featured, including a short skit and musical performances by the clinic’s nursing staff. These performances illustrated the administration of Vitamin Angels’ supplements and highlighted the significance of proper maternal nutrition.

Additional remarks were delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Health and the District Health Sister, further reinforcing the importance of maternal and infant healthcare.

The event concluded with the distribution of gifts to pregnant women and nursing mothers in recognition of their commitment to attending scheduled medical visits. Fathers who actively supported their partners were also acknowledged for their role in ensuring maternal and infant well-being.

The 2nd Annual Baby Show reaffirmed the Saint Anthony Clinic for the Poor’s steadfast commitment to delivering essential healthcare services to pregnant women, nursing mothers  and their babies in Freetown, further solidifying its position as a pillar of maternal and child health in the community. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/saint-anthony-clinic-for-the-poor-hosts-second-annual-baby-show-in-freetown/