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MAG Angola’s work would not be possible without the hard work of the dedicated local staff like Francesca. |
MAG Angola driver Francesca Newiji Cazomba's first-aid skills came to the rescue of a man who suffered horrific injuries while bathing.
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Twenty-year-old Justo Sapalo, from Liangonga village in Moxico Province, visited the nearby river in Lungibungo to take a bath. As he was washing, a crocodile attacked him.
Justo tells his terrifying tale: “The crocodile suddenly appeared out of the water, grabbed my arm with its teeth and pulled me in the water. I wrestled with it for a long time trying to escape. Finally, I hit it on the head and I was able to swim away. When I reached the shore, I saw there was so much blood and I was injured everywhere. I was certain I would die.”
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Justo and Francesca in Luena Central Hospital. |
Nearby villagers who witnessed the attack, which took place around midday on Saturday 12 November, didn’t know how to help, so they went to the hospital in Lucusse – the nearest commune with medical facilities.
But there was nobody there, so they headed for the market to ask anyone if they knew how to help, and found Francesca.
When Francesca encountered Justo, she discovered just how badly he had been injured: “It was horrible, there were pieces of flesh hanging off from him, and his arm was completely broken and the bone exposed.
"I used MAG’s medical supplies to assist, because there was nothing at the hospital in Lucusse. I cleaned the wounds, reset the bone and stitched him up. He had five large gaping wounds, which required over 300 stitches. I didn’t know if I could save him."
“If it wasn’t for Francesca, I would not be alive right now. I am so happy MAG is working in this area. They don’t just clear mines, they make our community better.” |
Francesca stayed with Justo for more than six hours in Lucusse [see map, below] before she felt he was stable enough to transport to the hospital in the nearest big town, Luena, where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
The doctors say he would have died had it not been for the emergency assistance of Francesca.
“This man is very lucky," says Eugenia Massambo, a nurse at Luena Central Hospital. "I have not seen many people survive crocodile attacks, especially with such terrible wounds. Her stitches are what made the difference."
Francesca visits Justo every day and has been bringing him food to help his quick recovery. “If it wasn’t for her, I would not be alive right now," Justo says. "I am so happy MAG is working in this area. They don’t just clear mines, they make our community better.”
Lucusse, Moxico Province |
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Thirty-six-year-old Francesca has been working for MAG for a month as a driver.
During the country's civil war she fled to a UNHCR refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she was trained as a first-aid responder in the camp.
“I was taught that once I knew first aid I had a responsibility to use my skills to help anyone at any time that is in need," she says. "That is also our duty as human beings"
Francesca has worked for various non-governmental organisations, as she believes that is the best way to help her fellow Angolans. She has wanted to work for MAG ever since she and her husband we able to build their home in 4 de Fevereiro, the area on the outskirts of Luena that MAG cleared for housing, agriculture and markets.
“I am very grateful to MAG for so many reasons. They are making my country safer, they gave me a safe place to live and they gave me a job. I am happier here than I have been at other jobs.
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Justo needed 300 stitches on multiple wounds. [Photos: MAG Angola] |
"I see MAG as a place where I can grow and fulfil my aspirations to become a fully-fledged medical paramedic, so that I can continue to improve medical care in MAG and in my country.”
MAG Angola’s work would not be possible without the hard work of the dedicated local staff.
The courage and commitment that MAG Angola staffs demonstrate on a daily basis is what makes MAG so successful. MAG is honoured to have people like Francesca working for them and will continue to invest in their staff’s capacity and future careers with MAG.
The European Commission, US Department of State's Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, and Government of the Netherlands are currently funding MAG's work in Angola.
30 November 2011
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• Reporting by Chelsea Moore, Programme Officer,
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Related articles:
ANGOLA: Remember them
ANGOLA: Improving access to education
About MAG: Investing in local staff
See also:
Why does MAG work in Angola?
More news and case studies from MAG Angola
Other resources:
Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor – Angola profile
Donors:
European Commission
US Department of State's Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement
Government of the Netherlands
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