From Rural Health Center to Referral Hospital

Written by Dr. Brett MacLean, Chief Medical Officer

These are exciting times in Togo as we work alongside our Togolese partners to transform the Centre Medical Compassion d’Agbelouve from a rural health center to a major referral hospital. While there are key steps still in process in this huge transition, we are so thankful for numerous already accomplished tasks. 

One challenge that needed addressing was the expansion of the laboratory capabilities. A well-functioning lab is essential to support the heightened level of care performed at a hospital of this size. In addition, the lab serves as a key aspect of the sustainability model as it generates a large amount of revenue, allowing the hospital to function without requiring outside financial assistance. 

Along with essential laboratory equipment, a well-trained and trustworthy laboratory director and additional support staff are critical. Thankfully, through our network of partners in West Africa, we were able to connect with a young, highly motivated college-trained laboratory specialist in Mali. Meet Kartié (pronounced Car-tee-ay), who arrived last month and has been doing a tremendous job running the expanded lab. Kartié happens to be the younger brother of Lazar, one of the original nurse practitioners that Sheri and I trained in Koutiala 15 years ago. 

Malian Nurse Practitioner Lazar, 2nd from the right

Lazar, pictured second from the right during the early years of the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children, continues to be a key pediatric nurse practitioner and a leader at the hospital in Mali. The work in Mali has over 300 employees, with many of them fairly early in their careers. As a result, there isn’t always room to hire new graduates or bright young stars in Mali, but thankfully, they are willing to join the work in Togo, which is always in need of new healthcare professionals. 

Kartié and Essé are working hard (until interrupted by me)

Kartié drawing the MacLean family’s routine bloodwork

Assisting Kartié is a well-rounded, experienced Essé (pronounced S-A) who has been at the health center for almost two years already and has a wealth of prior experience. 

We are so thankful for Kartié, Essé, and all our wonderful and capable West African partners who are enabling the tremendous growth of the work in Togo!