Kondesu Clinic and Health

In 2013, the Kuwaa Mission broke ground on a new clinic in Kondesu.  There was one other clinic in the Kuwaa Chiefdom, and it was a 12 hour walk for people living far from it.  They measure distances by how long it takes to walk, because usually there is no other form of transportation available.  If a sick or injured person cannot walk, they might carry them in a hammock.

The Kuwaa people helped with the construction of the clinic by molding about 10,000 mud blocks.  This is a typical construction method, where molded mud blocks bake in the hot sun and are then stacked and cemented together.  The exterior is plastered with cement, and a metal (they call it zinc) roof was put on.  These buildings can last for decades, as opposed to those built entirely of native materials which fall down in less than 5 years.

The most difficult part of the construction project was transportation of the materials.  Kondesu is not on the road system.  We were very fortunate that Samaritan’s Purse provided helicopter transportation for most of the materials.  Without that, the people would still be hauling loads on their heads through the jungle!

The clinic was dedicated in 2014 and the operation turned over to the Liberia Ministry of Health.  They now have a staff and are treating people.

In February 2016, the clinic received some donated medical supplies.  One of the donated items was from Safe Water International Ministries (SWIM) – a chlorine producing unit, or CPU.  The CPU creates bleach from a saltwater solution by applying electricity.  The clinic has solar power to provide lights and for a refrigerator for vaccines.  Bleach is a very effective disinfectant and is not readily available in remote areas.  It can also be difficult to transport.  The CPU will be very helpful.

Now that the clinic is operating, the Kuwaa Mission is working on providing road access.  In 2016, about 24 bridges will be built.  Refer to the “Bridges” tab for more information.