|
||||
|
||||
 |
 |
|
Mobile Health Units Last week Khaled was called to visit an elderly man suffering from acute watery diarrhoea. After examining the patient Khaled suspected a bacterial infection and administered an antibiotic. Thankfully, the elderly man responded well to the antibiotic and is now in good health. Khaled is one of the many FAR-trained community health workers in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains who volunteers his time to visit members of his community who are sick and who otherwise do not have access to healthcare. FAR has recently provided bicycles to community health workers in the area. Khaled is now able to reach patients quickly and either treats their illness or refers them, and arranges transport, to the FAR supported clinic several miles away, or in more severe cases to the hospital in Dilling, which takes several hours to get to over difficult roads. Bicycles were requested by the community health workers, whose services are in high demand. Khaled, for example, is a farmer whose main job is to provide for his large, and growing, family. The bicycle not only allows him to get to sick patients quickly but also to return to his fields once he has administered treatment. Khaled visits approximately twenty patients per week, many of whom he can treat with a combination of his training and the drug supply which FAR regularly replenishes. Khaled’s training enables him to recognize signs of serious or complicated illnesses, which require sophisticated treatment in clinics or hospitals. Khaled is instrumental in arranging transportation for patients who need further medical attention. As we replenished the supplies in Khaled’s medical kit he talked about the importance of prevention in primary health care: “I have one message about health for my village. Take care of your body – wash your hands often, keep your clothing clean, be careful when you prepare food, and keep your water supply clean”.  Khaled is well known and respected in his village. “The community appreciates it so much”, Khaled said about his contribution. The geographical isolation of the Nuba Mountains means that community health workers are at times the only available source of medical treatment, particularly during the rainy season when fast flowing rivers appear without warning, making roads impassable. Khaled is one of many volunteers who are strengthening their communities by serving others. FAR’s focus on a sustainable approach to development is made possible by committed individuals, like Khaled, at the grassroots level. |
 |
Site designed & powered by OSM Networks Inc.. | Copyright © 2012 FAR International. All rights reserved. |
 |