Some Local Health Challenges

Malaria: Malaria contines to be one of the main causes of sickness and death in the area. Although worse in the wet season, malaria occurs all year round.  Malaria is a treatable disease yet poverty and lack of transportation are obstacles to many people seeking help on time. Even though clinic staff take many babies to hospital for blood transfusions, some children do not make it in time to save their lives.

HIV/AIDS: Although HIV/AIDS has been prevalent in the area since the mid-1980's, there remains a very stong stigma attached to having the disease. Poverty: Not only does poverty present obstacles to medical help for some people, but poor food quality, non-preservation of food and water, and general lack of facilities and education leads to poor general health and suseptibility to disease.

Sanitation/Hygiene: Many people suffer from preventable diseases due to poor or no sanitation.  Water sources are often not protected and preserved, and sometimes become contaminated by livestock.

Immunization
One afternoon per week the medical team runs immunization clinics in local villages and also provides health education for the villagers. The team administers free immunization against common childhood diseases and treatment for parasites and scabies during baby health checks.

Health Education
Prevention and teatment education is a focus of the clinic. Before the clinic opens in the morning waiting patients receive instruction on specific health issues.
In the laboratory a trained HIV/AIDS counsellor talks to patients before taking blood tests, and prepares them for the outcome.
Regular immunization trips are made into local villages by clinic staff, who also provide education sessions covering specic health/hygiene issues.