NEF 2005 Annual Report - Near East Foundation

Numerically there have been 93 home visits to provide nutritional support, monitoring, referrals and training;
42 trips to Leribe Hospital and Motebang Clinic for treatment, immunization, and consultation; 16 staff trained
in nutrition and medication administration; and 20 meetings with local government officials, hospital staff and
others to create a referral network, among other facts and figures.
Only three children sadly have died, while so many others are now living in safe, nurturing environments,
either with Ken or reintegrated into extended families or in foster care. Staff visited children reintegrated into
extended families at least two times per month, providing training for their care and monitoring weight,
general health, development, and attitude. They were reportedly adjusting well.
Although pressure exists to reintegrate all children into their families, it was discovered in many cases this
would not be in the best interests of the child’s welfare, indeed in some instances, extremely dangerous.
Despite training, many families have been found incapable of providing adequate care; and others,
apathetic to the children’s needs.
Virtually all children participating in the program
have been immunized, also are being properly fed
and receiving health care. Six children among
those tested have been confirmed to be HIV
positive; and four are taking anti-retroviral drugs.
It has not been easy. Although Mokhotlong Hospital
recently opened a clinic for people living with HIV,
there is no doctor available to provide treatment and
consultation, and the clinic is rarely staffed.
Consequently health care on occasion has required
a more-than-three-hour-drive from Mokhotlong to
Leribe Hospital--weather permitting. Further, the hospital in Mokhotlong does not provide comprehensive
pediatric care, so that can mean going even further afield to South Africa.
All staff are now trained in health monitoring, nutrition, and baby care skills. That covered common baby
infections, especially with infants who could be HIV positive; accurate measuring, preparation and storage of
food; and stimulating educational games for developmental growth.
In turn they trained caregivers about basics like hygiene, nutrition, and use of medications. Hygiene
concentrated on topics like the importance of washing hands before handling food, boiling drinking water,
and proper cleaning of baby feeding bottles and cups. Nutrition included formula preparation and
maintaining food diaries for better nutrition assessment. Medication training focused on the use of medical
equipment and observing child health progress, including reactions to anti-retroviral therapy. Importantly,
each household maintained a notebook to record daily accomplishments about the children’s general
health.
Creating a network for referrals for outreach and places of safety has been problematic. Despite repeated
attempts to create liaisons with the Lesotho Department of Social Welfare and the Child Gender Protection
Unit, neither has provided much support in referring children or attending cases relating to legal matters and
child welfare. To add to the frustrations, gender protection officers often have been placed on alternative
duties and the district social worker unavailable. In fact, most referrals have come from community members
and local chiefs; and consequently more meetings with local chiefs, clinics and communities are on the
agenda.
Editor: Andrea M. Couture
• Designer: Ellen Scott