IDP Medical Camp

Yesterday a bunch of the original crew at my orientation already 2 weeks ago joined forces spent the day providing free consultations and medication to the families of the displaced people we visited last weekend. We utilised 4 rooms of the almost completed school we made blackboards for. In each room we had a different set up. The first room was where each patient signed in, received a pink registration card which had their name, age and sex and if they were over the age of 30, their blood pressure was also taken and recorded.

They were then asked to line up at the next door where the doctor was, have their consultation where he would identify any problems (no patient left without drugs of some sort) and then provided with the required medication. In the third room, all the immunisations (and screaming evidently) took place. Then in the fourth room, all HIV/AIDS testing was carried out. All treatment was on a voluntary basis and all rooms were kept busy. HIV testing was conducted all day and although a few tests are still pending, there was only 1 reported positive case. It was a mother of 3. Unfortunately 2 of her 3 children also have the virus.

I spent most of my time in the second room where I divided hundreds of pills, poured (not so accurately measured) liquid paracetamol and mixed bottles of children’s antibiotics. I also spent time taking blood pressure which I loved.

Also, located about 80metres from the main building, we had a tent set up where all the urine testing for infections and pregnancy were conducted. When the first bunch of people arrived, Anna (the nurse who is responsible for sponsoring and funding most the medical project) caught the attention of everyone, handed out plastic cups and explained (with the help of an interpreter) that we were giving them a glass of water to drink. They were asked to hold on to the empty cup and pee into it following their meeting with the doctor and proceed to the far tent for testing. This was something new to them, so naturally they thought it was the funniest thing – but they all did what was asked. Other than the used syringes (which were disposed off down their massive drop toilets), nothing went to waste, not the pills dropped in the dirt or empty medication bottles. The processes were pretty prehistoric, but worked a treat.

Most of the patients travelled a few kilometres to see the doctor, some of which would have struggled for quite some time with leg braces and walking sticks (literally sticks). One young girl had very bad burns all over her face and body. She was so beautiful, she made me smile. We didn’t’ speak but we held hands, it spoke more than a thousand wonderful words. It's little moment like this that will stay with me forever.

We were all exhausted, went to bed early and I slept for 10 hours!! I am absolutely having the most amazing time.

Last night I cooked chicken schnitzel, mashed potato, steamed broccoli and carrot, sweet corn with butter and pinch of salt, and of course, gravy. They young girls (4 & 6 yo) thought the Mazungu food was a bit weird, but the other 9 who I cooked for (family members and volunteers) loved it and went back for more. Then for dessert, I made custard with fresh banana and pineapple – the girls loved that one! The Aussie and American volunteers especially loved the corn, it was a great night.