Regina Abokomah is a beautiful Ghanaian young lady residing in the community of Abuakwa in the Central Region on Ghana. Regina loves to go to school, where her favorite subject is mathematics, play football and clapping games with her friends. At home she also enjoys watching over her six siblings and cooking, especially her favorite rice with beans dish (redred).
Regina’s complications started 6 months ago, at the age of 15, when her aunt discovered that she, in her fragile and malnourished state, was pregnant. Regina continued to attend primary school until she noticed a growing infection in her neck and a rash that surfaced her entire body. Self conscious of her state, she discontinued her participation at the local primary school. She then spent the past few months under the care of her grandmother at her home in Abuakwa, along with 29 other family members. With an income of 30 Ghana Cedi a month (20 USD), which is sent by her mother who lives and works 5 hours away, Regina and her grandmother had little opportunity to seek medical treatment at the nearby hospital. Their only option was to seek out the local herbalist and wait it out. However, after some few weeks, her case deteriorated and the family became anxious for her life.
It wasn’t until August 2011 that Regina was able to see a physician during the King’s College and Dalhousie University Global Medical Brigade in Abuakwa. It was during the brigade that the doctor stressed the importance for her to seek treatment and referred her to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the capital city of Accra. The doctors noted that her case was especially dangerous due to her stage in pregnancy.
Global Medical Brigades, their newly established Referral Program in Ghana, and the students of King’s College and Dalhousie University have taken Regina under their care. Global Brigades has spent many days traveling to and from Korle Bu hospital to diagnose and provide treatment for this young lady. Regina was in need of a lot of testing and medical attention including X-rays, tuberculosis mantoux exam, blood tests, and ultrasound examinations. After reviewing the examinations, the doctors concluded that Regina was TB and HIV free and diagnosed her with a collar stud abscess, extensive tinea corporis (ringworm), and anemia. With your assistance, we can help Regina treat her conditions, see her through a healthy full-term, and allow her to continue with her education to junior and senior high school, healthy.