HEPTO
HEALTHCARE EXTENSION PROMOTION AND TRAINING ORGANIZATION
TURNING PAIN INTO HEALING: BURN CENTERS IN EAST AFRICA
OUR COMMITMENT
The Healthcare Extension Promotion and Training Organization (HEPTO) is deeply committed to establishing burn centers across East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. This mission is profoundly personal to our founder and president, Mohamed Jama Mohamed. His own experience with severe burns and the compassionate care he received have inspired HEPTO’s dedication to this cause.
OUR STORY
HEPTO’s story began with a tragic incident on February 1, 1991, during the Somali civil war.
Mohamed suffered severe burns cove-ring 35% of his body due to a gasoline and fire accident. Desperate for medi-cal treatment, he embarked on a harrowing journey from Kismayo, Soma-lia, to Mombasa, Nairobi, and finally to Isiolo, Kenya.
Immediately after the accident, Mohamed sought help in Kismayo but found no medi-cal facilities equipped to treat his burns. Instead, he lay in a friend’s home, where his wounds were treated with topical sprays intended for livestock. The situation worsened as his wounds became infected and infested with maggots. Remarkably, the maggots helped debride the infection, allowing the healing process to begin.
As the civil war intensified, Mohamed’s hopes for medical care in Kis-mayo dwindled. On April 22, 1991, he boarded a cargo ship bound for Mombasa, Kenya. He and other Somali refugees arrived at the Mombasa seaport on May 9, 1991, and settled temporarily in a camp in Majengo-Mombasa. Despite his efforts, Mohamed could not find adequate medi-cal assistance in Mombasa and continued his journey to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where he also faced disappointment.
Undeterred, Mohamed pressed on to Isiolo County in Northeastern Kenya. It was here, at Isiolo Hospital, that his arduous journey ended. He met Florence Lintari, a compassionate nurse who guided him throu-gh his painful recovery process with unwavering kindness and support.
Following his recovery, Mohamed relocated to the United States with the help of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for further treatment. Inspired by Nurse Florence’s dedica-tion, he transitioned from an agricultural officer to a medical professio-nal. He became a surgical technician and later a registered nurse (RN), specializing as an operating theater nurse. Mohamed’s desire to give back to the community culminated in the formation of HEPTO on May 18, 2018.
HEPTO’s Mission
In Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, burn patients face dire conditions largely due to the absence of specialized burn centers and a significant lack of knowledge regarding burn management. The situation is exacer-bated among populations living in preca-rious conditions, particularly those residing in compostable traditional houses and inter-nally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in major cities.
Many communities in these regions live in traditional homes made from highly flam-mable materials such as straw, wood, and other organic compounds. These structures are immensely vulnerable to fire outbreaks, leading to severe burn injuries. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) often inhabit over-crowded and poorly managed camps. These environments are rife with fire hazards due to the close proximity of makeshift shelters, lack of fire safety measures, and the use of open flames for cooking and heating.
Burn victims in these countries often have to rely on general hospitals that may lack the equipment, resources, and specialized staff to provide adequate burn care. The absence of dedicated burn units results in delayed or improper treatment, leading to increased morbi-dity and mortality rates. The scarcity of healthcare professionals trained in burn care seve-rely limits the quality of treatment available. This shortage not only impacts immediate burn management but also affects long-term rehabilitation, leading to complications such as infections, disabilities, and psychological trauma.
There is a profound lack of awareness and education about burn prevention and first aid within the general population. Many burn injuries are exacerbated by improper initial treatment due to ignorance about the appropriate actions to take following a burn incident. First responders and healthcare workers in these regions often lack the necessary training to handle burn emergencies effectively. This insufficiency in training can result in inappropriate care, further aggravating the victims’ conditions.
Given the severity and widespread nature of burn injuries in these neglected regions, it is imperative to establish burn centers specifically designed to address this critical healthcare need.
The following steps should be prioritized to mitigate the impact of burns on affected populations:
DEVELOPMENT OF DEDICATED BURN CENTERS:
Establish specialized burn treatment facilities in urban areas and near IDP camps to provide immedia-te and effective care for burn victims. These centers should be equipped with modern medical technologies and staffed with healthcare professionals trained in burn care.
TRAINING HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS:
Implement comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers, first responders, and community health workers to ensure they are well-equipped to manage burn injuries from initial response to long-term rehabilitation.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS:
Launch widespread education campaigns to inform communities about burn prevention, first-aid steps, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. This can significantly reduce the inciden-ce and severity of burns.
GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT:
Secure support from both national governments and international health organizations to fund the establishment and operation of burn centers. Long-term sustainability should also be planned through local partnerships and continuous training programs.
We invite you to join us in this noble endeavor. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of countless burn victims in these underserved communities. Together, we can provide the care and hope they desperately need. For more about this inspiring journey and to support our mission, please read further. Your contribu-tion, whether in the form of equipment, supplies, medication, or educational mate-rials, can help us create a world where every burn victim has access to the care they need to recover and thrive. Let’s make a difference together.
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ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT, MEDICATIONS, AND SUPPLIES FOR BURN CENTERS
The Healthcare Extension Promotion and Training Organization (HEPTO) urgently needs the following equipment to establish critical Burn Centers in underserved communities in East Africa:
SHOWER TROLLEYS AND IT’S ACCESSORIES:
These are used for patient transport and provide a safe, hygienic environment for wound cleaning and hydrotherapy.
SHOWER CHAIRS:
Provides stable seating for patients during showering, facilitating safe and comfortable hygiene practices.
SHOWER PANELS:
Delivers controlled water flow for gentle cleansing of burns, reducing pain and risk of infection.
BATHTUBS:
Used for soaking and hydrotherapy treatments, aiding in pain relief and wound healing.
FIXED-HEIGHT BATHTUBS:
These bathtubs offer a stable, fixed-height bathing solution for patients, ensuring ease of use and safety during hydrotherapy sessions.
RECLINING BATHTUBS:
Allows for adjustable reclining positions, providing comfort and ease of access for both patients and caregivers during bathing.
MOBILE BATH LIFT SYSTEM:
This system assists in lifting and transferring patients in and out of bathtubs, ensuring safe and efficient handling.
BATHTUB DIMENSION MATRIX:
Provides standardized dimensions for bathtubs, ensuring compatibility with other equipment and accessibility for all patients.
HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE DUAL ACTUATOR BATHTUBS:
These bathtubs feature height-adjustable mechanisms for customized patient access and caregiver convenience, enhancing comfort and safety
during use.
HEPTO also urgently needs the following medications and supplies to establish and operate Burn Centers in underserved communities in East Africa:
SILVER SULFADIAZINE CREAM:
Prevents and treats wound infections in patients with serious burns.
ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENTS:
Helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
PAIN RELIEF MEDICATIONS:
Manages and alleviates pain associated with burn injuries.
TOPICAL ANESTHETICS:
Provides temporary pain relief for minor burns and skin irritations.
IV FLUIDS:
Rehydrates and stabilizes patients suffering from burn shock and dehydration.
BURN DRESSINGS:
Protects wounds, prevents infection, and promotes healing.
HYDROGEL SHEETS:
Provides a cooling effect and a moist environment for burn wound healing.
NON-ADHERENT DRESSINGS:
Prevents sticking to the wound, minimizing pain and damage during dressing changes.
GAUZE AND BANDAGES:
Covers and protects burn wounds, providing a barrier against infection.
COMPRESSION GARMENTS:
Helps reduce swelling and scarring in burn patients.
STERILE GLOVES AND GOWNS:
Ensures a sterile environment during the treatment and dressing of burn wounds.
ANTISEPTIC SOLUTIONS:
Cleanses and disinfects burn wounds to prevent infection.
SILICONE GEL SHEETS:
Reduces and prevents hypertrophic scars in burn patients.
BURN GEL:
Provides immediate pain relief and cools burn wounds.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:
Supports the healing process and overall health of burn patients.
Your contributions to these vital equipment, medications, and supplies will significantly enhance the quality of care and recovery outcomes for burn victims in these regions. Together, we can provide the necessary resources to save lives and improve the well-being of those in need.
