Bernadette from Mahadaga, Burkina Faso

Doctor Derek Allen and medical student Gavin Bond saw Bernadette in a clinic in Mahadaga in May. She was complaining of chest pain and limited exercise capability. On examination, she had a palpable thrill in her chest and a loud murmur coming from her heart. It was obvious she had a serious heart problem that could significantly shorten her life if not fixed. A few days later, when back in Ouagadougou (capital) Gavin and Derek talked to a local heart specialist who had the equipment for investigation and an arrangement was made with a charity in Spain who will arrange the cardiac surgery and hospital care for free. Derek then had to move on to commitments in Djibo in northern Burkina Faso

Last week Derek with volunteer Margaret (Tauranga) returned to Mahadaga to find Bernadette. It took two days travelling over dirt roads with pot holes as deep as bath tubs, waiting for hours in small villages in temperatures of 40+degrees for the next bus with no edible food. Derek and Margaret arrived in Mahadaga on dusk, exhausted and tired to be met by Bernadette in the street. She did not know Doctor Derek was coming, but she had faith that he would return. Bernadette was so excited and happy. She is a lovely girl with a beautiful smile!

Two days later Bernadette travelled with Doctor Derek and Margaret, on the ten hour bus trip to Ouagadougou. During her stay in Ouagadougou Bernadette had an ECG, Chest X-ray, and Echo Cardiogram, and was examined by the Cardiac Specialist. Bernadette has a mitral heart defect, two faulty valves, probably the result of rheumatic fever. Her heart races at 130 beats per minute when she is resting, it is beating itself to death. The Cardiac Specialist made Bernadette top priority, giving her the next booking for a heart operation in Spain.

Bernadette is booked to have her operation in Spain this September, 2009 if TroppoDoc can raise $4,000. …

If you can help please make your donation to the Troppodoc bank account

    * Westpac Bank: Gisborne, New Zealand

    * Account Name: TroppoDoc Account No. 03 0638 050583325 Bernadette 

It is difficult to imagine the poverty that exists in Mahadaga a village of 27,000 people in eastern Burkina Faso, And yet this is part of our World, (our global village) with air travel making countries only hours apart. In Burkina Faso many people do not have the bare necessities in life like running water. Mud huts the size of our average bathroom house a family. Bernadette’s family are very poor. They have five children and they live in such a hut The village is very isolated, miles and miles from the capital and what shops there are carry little or no food. The "hospital" has never had a Doctor and has no running water.