Medical relief day in Katanga slum

Huge thanks to Jeff Guerrero for these pictures!!!

Back in February we hosted a medical relief day in Katanga slum. We've done this multiple times in the past - its a great opportunity to build relationships with people there as well as potentially save some lives. With that said, however, most often these days are about 'relief' which is just a one-day offering of some minor services, with little to no long-term effect. Since we often do not have doctors or dentists available to help out, we try to offer services that treat minor ailments and help to promote hygiene. 

Our centers for this clinic began with a Minor wound treatment option. We would clean and dress wounds, and give out some pain killers as appropriate.

After that, they would head inside to get their teeth brushed well and then given a brush to use for themselves at home.

The next stop was the de-worming station! Most people here have worms of some sort hanging out inside them, either from food or water they've taken at some point that wasn't clean. These simple pills should be taken every 3 months to help clear out any minor strangers living inside them!

Finally, we offered some multi-vitamins to finish off their time with us. Some nutrition for one day never hurts! 

We also offered a class for the women who came to teach about hygiene and sanitation for themselves and their families. And of course, prayer if it was wanted.

We did transport a few people and babies to the hospital and helped them get the urgent care they needed and wouldn't have received otherwise. They live just beside the public hospital, but the 'free' treatment is really just a front to needing to pay for medication, for all the medical supplies to be seen: gloves, bed covering, gauze, etc! And if they have to stay in the hospital, well, hopefully they have someone to come and be with them to bring them food and water. No cafeteria that delivers food at these hospitals!

Its a small, small effort we make to create community, trust, and acceptance in Katanga slum.