Benin and Outreach Information

I found this information while reading "Rachel's Report" which is a blog written by another nurse who is currently on the Africa Mercy. I thought you might enjoy reading. Just a few more days and I'll be able to tell her thanks for all the information in person.

So we are about a day away from Benin, so I wanted to give you all a briefing on life in Benin.
1. Benin is ranked 163 out of 177 in the Nations Human Development Index. , so it one of the poorest nations on earth. The life expectancy is 55 years with a 35% literacy rate and a 8.9% infant mortality rate. There is a huge lack of medical care for the poor of the country. There is some infrastructure for health care in you have the money, but none for the poor.
2. Benin is consider one of the most stable governments in Africa, having no governmental over throws or coups in the last 40 years, and having a peaceful transition to democracy about 19 years ago.
3. Most of the goods coming into Nigeria, Togo and Ghana come through the port that we will be docked at. Major port city is Cotonou(that is where we will be docked) The actual Capitol is Porto Novo. But it is more of a political capitol than the business center of the country.
4. The biggest religion in the country is Voodoo. Benin is considered the birthplace of Voodoo, and the palace of the high priests of Voodoo is located in the city of Ouida, a western city in Benin. The other two predominant religions in Benin are Islam and Christianity.
5. Weather in Benin is similar to that in Liberia, except more hot and humid. Temps are high 80's to low 90's with humidity about 95%. There are 2 dry seasons January to April and August. and 2 rainy seasons May to July and September to December. In the wet months they receive 7 to 15 inches of rain.
6. The official language in Benin is French, but most people speak one of 54 tribal languages. The one spoken in the area that we will be docked in is Fon. In the Fon language we are called YoVo(Whitey) Which is literally translated "foreigner". The kids in Benin sing a little song that makes fun of the only 4 words they believe that the YoVo know. Bonjoiur, Bon Soir, Ca Va bien, merci.
7. The ship has set a number of goals for this outreach
1. To use the hospital and all 6 operating theaters to capacity
2. Provide eye screening and care for 20,000 people
3. Provide reconstructive surgery for approximately 2,000 people
4. Train 4 surgeon to be able to preform these surgeries once we leave
5. Provide 140 VVF surgeries
6. Provide orthopedic surgeries for 240 patients
7. Dental care for 11,500 people (19,000 procedures)
8. Teach 20 dentists to do procedures
9. Provide palliative care for 25 people and train family's of these patients to provide
10. Train 8 biomedical technicians

I feel so blessed to be able to be even a small part of this ministry. Thanks to all my friends and family. You all have made me feel very loved and supported!

Bonnie