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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTwo-month-old Emmanuel was brought by his mother to the clinic. She had noticed his head was oddly swollen and he was fussy and uncomfortable. A mission worker on the team helped navigate the referral to the ELWA surgeons. Within days, a shunt was placed to drain fluid from the baby\u2019s brain. The timely action of his mother and the team at ELWA likely prevented brain damage for this precious boy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greater awareness of the services available at ELWA has created a huge demand. April 2023 was a record-breaking month for the department. More than 400 children were treated in the emergency room or on the ward; 109 for malnutrition. The under-5s outpatient clinic saw 2240 children. Additional organisations, including Samaritan\u2019s Purse, LIVE2540, and EMA-USA have partnered with SIM and ELWA Hospital to provide medical care for the children and essential nutritional supplies, such as fortified milk and \u201cplumpynut,\u201d a peanut-based supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Mikey, as he is known, tells the story of Baby R, a female infant abandoned in a community near the hospital. When no one was able to provide proper nutrition for the newborn the crisis came to the attention of a local organisation, who brought her to ELWA. With emergency intervention by the malnutrition service, she improved within days. The hope of continued assistance encouraged a community member to take over care of Baby R while her family situation was sorted out.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n ELWA staff examine a baby. Photo by SIM Liberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A key emphasis in training the paediatric staff is to demonstrate gospel compassion and non-judgmental support for the children and their parents in difficult situations. During a child\u2019s hospitalisation, parents receive education about children\u2019s healthcare and nurture. Reflecting the heart of Christ in this way ministers spiritual healing to families as well as physical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022For the love of Christ to be demonstrated to the families served by the paediatrics service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022That God would provide for the physical, spiritual, and financial needs of the paediatrics staff, who serve the children sacrificially and experience their own grief and trauma in their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022For the provision of project and grant funds to allow subsidised care to continue, so that more children\u2019s lives will be saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cherishing and preserving the lives of children is a core value of the paediatric team. Their loving example is transforming families and communities. For this reason, a new SIM project has been established to support the paediatric service at ELWA Hospital, called \u201cSustaining God\u2019s Children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nPray<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Give<\/h2>\n\n\n\n