We decided it was important for the women to keep records of the pregnancies, births and problems in their communities. Without statistical evidence it is impossible to know what the most prevalent problems are and to know if our solutions are having any success. So we borrowed from the program of HDI (Health and Development International) in Niamey after a very fruitful meeting between Dr. Zeidou and Dr. Skankey. (Thank you for all your good advice Dr. Zeidou). We created a report form with drawings which the women can fill out by making a mark. I gave each of them a copy and Ali, our nurse, when he makes his monthly rounds will collect them and replace with new ones.
The categories drawn are: New pregnancies, Women who visit a clinic, Women who give birth at home, Evacuations to a hospital, Post-partem hemorrhage, Infection, Maternal death, Infant death.
When I left them alone they practiced until they got it right.
I see Leslie’s years of art school has finally paid off. Very nice art work. Should be offered at the Nomad Gallery. mwp