The Masanga Hospital Bee Project:production and use of quality honey for wound treatment in Sierra Leone

摘要

The Masanga Hospital in Tongolili District in Sierra Leone has a long history of effective treatment of wounds and ulcers with honey. Patients from all over the country and neighbouring West African countries including Guinea, Liberia and The Gambia have received treatment from the Hospital. Patients with wounds caused by leprosy have received healing from the Wound Clinic of this referral and teaching Hospital. From before the civil war up to today, specialist doctors at the Hospital have used honeyfor wound healing with amazing results. Wounds dressed topically with honey have healed quickly, paving the way for skin grafting, and patients have gone home fully recovered.The major challenge facing Masanga Hospital has been the lack of good quality honey for more than 500 patients who visit the clinic every year. According to Dr Jonathan Van Nunes, the Medical Officer in Charge, the only source of honey has come from local honey hunters. These hunters fell trees and extract honey under unhygienic conditions. Dr Van Nunes stated that even though the quality of honey from the hunters was questionable, the Hospital has no alternative sources. However, healing results at the Wound Clinic have been very good.