A bus of six doctors from the Gondar University Healthcare
Center traveled along the road towards Sudan to reach two rural primary
schools. Three doctors got off at the first stop, Shumargie Primary School,
each with a box full of medicine. I joined them here as I had been to Shumargie
before and was eager to see familiar faces and learn what plagued them. The
doctors assessed the children, listened to their rendition of what ails them,
and then spent the time to explain to each and every one what it was exactly
that was wrong. Cases of intestinal parasites were diagnosed with de-worming
medicine and a thorough explanation of how to take the pills; a case of
diarrhea was given oral rehydration salts which we put in a water bottle right
then and there for the young boy; head fungus and dandruff were given bottles
of anti-fungal shampoo; itchy eyes and ear aches were given drops and ointment
and a longer explanation of how to properly wash hands and face. Education was
imparted along with mild medicines that can make a world of difference. Mothers
and fathers joined their children during their examinations simply for a hand
to hold. Some nearby villagers heard of the presence of the doctors and came in
a hurry to see what was going on. About ten women with babies showed up to be
seen by the doctors, some with simple questions, others with seriously ill
children. The group stayed as late as we could and spoke to everyone who was
seriously ill. A total of 76 children were seen at Shumargie today and 75 were
seen at the second school, Auduba.
I spoke with Dr. Abeynah of Gondar University and asked if
he enjoyed visiting the rural areas. He said he, among the others, “really
enjoy seeing new things, sometimes there are new issues that we go back and
must research. It is very different from the operating room and I feel I am
doing a good thing. These are my people, it is important to get out into the
community and give health education. I want to reach as many of them as
possible.”
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| Three doctors stations set up outside |
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| Students line up around the school building |
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| Doctor explains the importance of washing hands thoroughly to a girl who has conjunctivitis. |
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| The finger is of a young boy who pointed to absolutely everything and asked me to say it in English. This is anti fungal cream. |
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| A woman from the nearby village heard we were at Shumargie and brought her newborn who was suffering from diarrhea. |
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| Driving through Azezo on our way back to Gondar Town. The chaos in this part of town never ceases to amaze me, today was relatively calm. |
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