Report By: Ishmael Barfi
As the world marked the first World Burns Week, two young children, six-year-old Lordina and two-year-old Reindorf, who suffered severe burns from hot liquids, have received essential support from a Non-Governmental Organization Beyond Burns International.
The assistance comes when the world observes the importance and relevance of providing financial aid and advocacy to burn victims.
In fulfillment of this, Beyond Burns International (BBI) has lent a helping hand to these young children in ensuring their recovery and has been instrumental in managing their injuries.
According to the parents of Lordina, an unknown individual deliberately placed her in boiling soup when she was almost a year old, resulting in severe injuries that led to the amputation of one of her legs. Reindorf, on the other hand, fell into boiling light soup and has been undergoing treatment for six months, requiring him to walk with bandages.
Judith Cato Addison, the Executive Director of Beyond Burns International and a burn survivor herself, explained that her motivation comes from the plight of victims who often cannot afford the high cost of treatment. Speaking at the first burns symposium to mark World Burns Week in Accra on November 8, 2024, Mrs. Cato Addison lamented the rejection faced by burn victims from their families, which led to the establishment of Beyond Burns International to provide hope and comfort.
“Apart from providing medical assistance, advocacy, and awareness, support services, partnerships, and fundraising activities to support victims, Beyond Burns International also works directly with victims and caregivers by encouraging them never to give up and offering counseling sessions,” she added.
She emphasized that many victims who suffer neglect are at risk of making uninformed choices that could worsen their traumatic conditions. At this critical stage, counseling becomes essential, and Beyond Burns International steps in to offer care and aid their survival.
Although there are no national data on burn mortality, it is estimated that out of every 100 burn cases in Ghana, 21 result in death, with approximately 300,000 people dying annually from burns.
Mrs. Cato Addison stressed the need to protect children from burn injuries caused by acid, hot water, and hot soup.
Speaking at the the symposium under the theme “The Hidden Cost of Burns,” also featured Dr. Opoku Ampomah, Director of the Korle-Bu Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit urged everyone to prevent burns by prioritizing safety at home and in the workplace.
According to him, the most common burn cases in children involve hot water, hot soup, and other hot substances, highlighting the negligence of caregivers and parents, as well as the lack of adherence to safety protocols.
In the event of a burn, he advised applying normal water to the affected area and rolling on the ground to extinguish flames, rather than running, which can exacerbate the fire. He also emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
