Return to Bamako - Why this Matters
We have been waiting for the AQIM situation to calm down before returning to Bamako...not that things are super calm, but it just seemed to be the moment to return. Eliza Squibb, GAIA VF director, is meeting our collaborators and visiting the clinic for the first time. We'll be posting picture and brief updates, check back here...
Karamoko Tounkara, GAIA VF Mali Director, and Eliza Squibb, GAIA VF Executive Director, at the Loft, beginning of day 1.
There has been a bit of construction at the Hope clinic (our HIV clinic-within-a-clinic) in Sikoro - expansion of the lab to accomodate a CD4 T cell counter . . and... editing of the mural by Eduardo Pineda
The well-deserved Ciwara of Gold that the ASACOMSI won for their excellent public health (and HIV "prise en charge") efforts in Sikoro.
Karamoko in the internal courtyard of the clinic - shrinking as the clinic grows.
The 'observation' room that we built with donations from GAIA supporters - equipped by the Adam Traore family. Buildng out a clinic takes a village...
Yssouf Kone, MD, Karamoko (checking his phone per usual) and Eliza in one of the exam rooms that we built 5 years ago at the Hope Clinic - used to take care of HIV patients in the first-ever "HIV clinic in an infirmary" in West Africa. Built with significant support from Gilead Foundation and our donors.
Dr. YssouffKone and Eliza take a look at the HPV Pagne with GAIA Mali Director, Dr. Karamoko Tounkara
Haby! Looking very well! in the Hope Clinic Pharmacy with Eliza Squibb.
Tounkar, Chief (of Sikoro) Niare, Eliza.
Our director is a kid-magnet
Koura Dicko, Dr. Dao, Dr. Tounkara, Eliza.
Koura, Kara, and Annie in front of FMPOS.
Koura and Eliza at the National Museum - for a break-fast..
Our Iftar today...