More Medicines Arriving Soon

November 2021 Newsletter

Turning Scars to Stars

Read about our renewed partnership with Catholic Medical Missions Board and the shipment of medicines and medical supplies that is scheduled to arrive shortly. Another tragedy in Sierra Leone, this time an explosion of a fuel tanker. Learn how we were able to assist the victims. Finally, midwife Princess George from Stella Maris Clinic explains why our partnership with Vitamin Angels is so important to the Juba Community.

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Renewed Partnership with CMMB

We are pleased to have renewed our partnership with the Catholic Medical Missions Board (CMMB) as a large capacity consignee.

Our shipment from CMMB left New York City Harbor in October and is scheduled to arrive in Sierra Leone in early December. The total value of the shipment is over $2 million. More importantly it contains critical medicines and supplies that will help support improved health outcomes among the most vulnerable.

"This entire shipment will be of great value but especially the large amount of antibiotics. Obtaining quality antibiotics can be difficult so it is good news that they are on the way," said HealeyIRF In-Country Program Manager Ishmeal Charles. "We look forward to more shipments from CMMB."

HealeyIRF Provides Immediate Help After Fuel Explosion

Around midnight on November 5th, a fuel tanker and truck collided at an intersection in the Wellington area of Freetown.

This is a busy intersection and even at that late hour many people were near. Due to the poverty level in the country people did not flee the area but instead rushed to scoop the leaking petrol.

After a few minutes there was a large explosion from the leaking fuel and those nearby on the ground and in vehicles were engulfed in the flames. Ninety-eight died at the scene and more than 100 were injured and taken to hospitals.

Upon hearing of the disaster, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown Fr. Peter Konteh immediately ordered critical burn supplies in the HealeyIRF warehouse be taken to the hospitals where the victims were being treated.

"We were fortunate to have supplies that were of great value to the hospitals treating the burn victims," noted Health Administrator Sister Josephine Amara. "It was a terrible tragedy and treating burn victims is very difficult in Sierra Leone."

The death toll from the tragedy stands at 144.

Partnership with Vitamin Angels = Improved Child Health

Vitamin Angels Value at Stella Maris 2021

For the past several years our partnership with Vitamin Angels has allowed us to supply prenatal vitamins for pregnant women and albendazole and Vitamin A to children under five years of age.

Our facilities value these items and are always appreciative when their yearly supply arrives.

Recently Princess George from Stella Maris talked about how these greatly help the clinic, especially in their outreach to schools.

Tenki Vitamin Angels!

If you would like to support us in our work please consider becoming a Star-Maker. By making a monthly commitment you will help us better plan for our day-to-day programs and long-term development efforts, such as capacity training.

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