Jacqui returned to Petifu in April with Katey joining her for her first trip back since 2008. We were also lucky enough to have the presence of Engineer, John Galvin to assist with the building modifications, drainage, installing the wiring for lighting and repairing the generator as well as bringing new ideas to the village.

The clinic building is now in use and Jacqui assisted 2 deliveries in the new labour room. A world of difference from when she last assisted in the old health centre building. Having a room that is clean and much better lit made a vast difference. The lack of education and training still means that woman and babies are dying unnecessarily in childbirth and this is an area that Jacqui wants to put more effort into with the nurse and community in Petifu.

Jacqui met with Mrs Zainab Bangura, the new Minister for Health for Sierra Leone and learnt of the changes that have happened since her last trip. All health care for pregnant & lactating women and children under 5 years is now free of charge and the nearest hospital to Petifu (Magburuka) now has a free ambulance that can be utilised by the same groups. This demonstrates the government commitment to improving its nations health and has made a wealth of difference to the remote provinces. Village families still need a lot of education on utilising this service and are still reluctant to travel outside of their village even when life is in jeopardy.

It was good to see some further developments within the village. The Ministry of Agriculture is making loans for tractors, Mr M Ali of Petifu has joined the programme meaning that any farmer in the village can hire the tractor to use on their farm, complete with plough and trailer. This one tractor is working all daylight hours and making a vast difference to the community. Many grain stores are in the process of being built, again with ministerial assistance meaning that storing seed and rice is much more achievable during the rainy season.

CHT also met with the Minister of State in Freetown who gave up much of his valuable time to advise us of the direction of the new government structure and the challenges they face.

With the 50 year Independence Day celebrations looming, CHT were very privileged to be able to have time with some very key people and learn much more about the future plans at the top level within the country.

Jacqui also orchestrated a Goat and Sheep clinic with the local Vet, as there were many animals in the village not being cared for and with overgrown horn and foot rot. CHT elected an elder to monitor the ongoing health of the animals, promote good husbandry and be the interface with the Vet for the future planned clinics and education.

CHT engaged a new contractor to make the remedial changes to the building and now needs to raise the funds to complete, some £1000. CHT are returning in August 2011 to see the water course around the building and ensure that the roof and footings remain dry.