Togolese Red Cross volunteer helping to save lives in her community

Written by Canadian Red Cross aid worker France Hurtubise

Malaria is a killer though we know it can be prevented. A first-aid and community health volunteer with the Togolese Red Cross, Agbi-Gbi Essikuma, has seen first hand the devastating effects of malaria and is pleased to be part of the Red Cross Campaign Against Malaria.

Prior to the upcoming campaign in Togo, Agbi-Gbi, along with 30 other volunteers, will be trained to engage their communities and inform them about the upcoming integrated child-health campaign. This campaign includes the distribution of 843,700 insecticide treated bed nets provided by the Canadian Red Cross. After they have been trained, volunteers will work in their communities before, during and following the distributions to ensure recipients know about the campaign, pick up their free net, and also know how to properly use and hang their net.

Instructor Virginie Eghoh is a well-known figure in the village. People trust her and never hesitate to ask for her advice. Agbi-Gbi is among them. “Mrs. Eghoh is a great motivator,” she commented. “We are so happy that she will be giving this training session, as we know that knowledge is what allows us to save lives.”

Agbi-Gbi is a very active woman in her village. On top of her job as a vegetable grower, this mother of three is also the chair of the community’s Mothers Club. This organization of women has 24 members in Zozo Kondji village. Members assist and support each other and others in their community. The club’s activities include: help for the aged, community hygiene instruction for women at the produce market, organizing fund-raisers for members in need, arranging loans for hospital fees, and health prevention for pregnant women.

Agbi-Gbi is a glowing person.. “I am happy that the Red Cross is doing a lot of work towards improving our health,” says Agbi-Gbi, who feels privileged to be among those trained by the Red Cross. “The training I was given over the last three years has allowed me to help in preventing malaria and mortality among young children. “