Traditional healer meets the Great Physician

15/05/2008Sarah Hall – a BMS worker in Guinea – introduces us to Mamadou and gives us an insight into one aspect of the healthcare of Macenta Medical Centre.He came towards me with a huge smile on his face. “Ah doctor, if I had known you were back, I’d have bought you a chicken!” (A live one that is!)

Mamadou, a 60-year-old traditional healer, came to the Medical Centre several years ago where the doctor diagnosed diabetes and sent him to our diabetes clinic. That’s where I met him for the first time.

Mamadou had been suffering for a long time. As a traditional healer, he had tried everything to rid himself of his symptoms, but to no avail.

During that first consultation, I gave him some little white tablets (glibenclamide). A week later he returned ‘healed’ and declared that I was a greater healer than he!

The diabetes clinic was established to help improve the care of our patients. I was able to train Viviane and with Daniel and Dr Eric Bafende (BMS supported partner worker) we soon had a good team.

Now at least 12 people are seen every Wednesday when they receive advice and teaching, and have the possibility of buying a regular supply of medication.

Diabetes is an illness that cannot be cured; only controlled.

It is a challenge for us to convince our patients to continue taking their medication even after their symptoms improve. Recently, a Christian ophthalmologist from the local hospital has joined our team.

Eighty per cent of people with diabetes live in low and middle-income countries. Diabetes deaths are likely to increase by more than 50 per cent in the next ten years without urgent action. (WHO)

He examines the eyes of all of our diabetic patients and helps to underline the message that they should keep taking their medication – this collaboration with the local hospital is a good witness to the community.

Perhaps Mamadou thinks of me as a greater healer than he is. My prayer is that through the care of the clinic team, he and others will come to know the greatest Physician for themselves.

Utilities

According to World Health Organisation statistics, in 2000, 34,000 people in Guinea had diabetes. The projection is that will more than double to 89,000 by 2030.

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