Walk for Tabita

Walk for Tabita
Around the world, women walk miles and miles every day, whether to collect water, tend fields, go to markets, or get medical assistance.

Tabita lives Sierra Leone. She was in labour for several hours at home with a traditional birth attendant, when she was advised to go to the health centre in the next district. When Tabita arrived at the centre, no-one there had the training to perform the caesarean section she needed.

Tabita set off for the district hospital, but the hospital lacked the equipment needed for the operation. Finally, Tabita arrived at Magbenteh Health Centre. By now, she had been in labour for three days. At Magbenteh, Tabita had an emergency caesarean section. Sadly, because Tabita had not received proper medical attention, her baby was already dead and Tabita was left with a lifelong disability.

How VSO is helping
The clinic where Tabita received life-saving treatment was set up with the help of VSO volunteer midwife, Zoe Vowles. Zoe is working with local colleagues to provide health education in the community. Local women and traditional birth attendants – who normally help deliver babies – are learning what to expect during pregnancy and recognise when to seek professional help.

VSO volunteers like Zoe are making a huge difference to the lives of women around the world.

Do invite friends, family, neighbours. It's a lovely walk, as most of you know. There is a shorter version (2 mile walk) for people who don't want to do the full walk.
Organiser contact details:Dave Sternberg mobile: 07732662232
or email: dave_sternberg@yahoo.co.uk

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