Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Niamkey Konanko (Agenzia Fides) – The Jesuits' information services have issued a statement saying that a new Health Center was recently inaugurated in Niamkey Konanko, Ivory Coast. Father Umberto Libralato, vice-president of Magis, the non-governmental organization of the Italian Jesuits, Tomaso Spingardi, member of the board of directors of Magis, and Antonio Rampinini were present at the ceremony as well as local authorities and many others both, young and old. All were there to celebrate this important event for so many local communities. The center was dedicated to the memory of the mother of one of the benefactors and a plaque with her name was placed at the entrance. The inscription reads: "En memoire de Giovanna Ponza par ses enfants qui ont perdu trop tôt son amour et ses soins" ("In memory of Giovanna Ponza from her children who lost her love and care too early").
The Center was an idea born in 2001 and its realization has been possible thanks to the help of many benefactors, the work of Magis and the Sisters Filles de Saint Camille. The Niamkey Konanko dispensary serves a large region of 30 square km, home to nearly 25.000 people. Each month over 1.000 come for help. The most common diseases are Bouruli ulcer and malaria. Many of these diseases are curable if treated in time; the real secret, of course, is prevention. In addition to treating diseases, the dispensary will, as far as it is possible, to diagnose them at an early stage of development. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/7/2009)
