A study on histological features of lepra reactions in patients ...
LEPRA Health in Action working with volunteers in Mozambique
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Mozambique – A View from the Field Fiona Cook, Africa Programmes Officer
description
LEPRA is a medical development charity with a mission to restore health, hope and dignity to people affected by leprosy and other diseases of poverty. We currently work in 9 of the world's most deprived countries covering a population of approximately 300 million.
Transcript of LEPRA Health in Action working with volunteers in Mozambique
Mozambique – A View from the Field
Fiona Cook,Africa Programmes Officer
Total population: around 21 million
Life expectancy: 42 years
Estimated to be 1.5m people living with HIV /AIDS
Estimated that in 2009 there will be 92,835 new TB cases
TB declared a national emergency in 2007
Leprosy still a problem, e.g. 80 new cases of which 17 were children in Gilé district.
Worrying trends in relation to % of disabilities in new cases
Population approx 3.9m
Only 60% have access to primary health services
One of the most leprosy endemic provinces
Long distances between health services, a challenge for our work!
Our volunteers: our greatest resource
A welcome song!
1400 volunteers trained in leprosy, TB, HIV & malaria in 6 districts of Zambezia
Facilitate access to health services Mobilize communities to take action on health Carry out sensitization
Community Health Project
Another 930 volunteers trained in leprosy and TB in 6 additional districts of Zambezia
Carry out health educationRefer people displaying signs and symptoms of TB and leprosyTransport sputum containersAccompany patients in their treatment.
They are generous….
Selfless…
& inspiring…
Our volunteers cycle up to 60km transporting TB patient’s sputum samples and pick up their medication so that they can access vital TB treatment.
in their determination to succeed…
Bicycle ambulances are used to transport chronically ill AIDS patients, TB patients and malaria patients, as well pregnant mothers and under-nourished children. They are
saving lives in the remote rural communities where we work!
…despite the many challenges!
In 2007, only 30% of health posts in Mozambique had access to running water!
Volunteers play a crucial role in informing and sensitizing communities.
The need to educate communities
However there is still work to be done; with both TB and leprosy, all family members should be screened!
A typical volunteer meeting will start with a song designed to educate & motivate!
TB educational song
Recipe for a successful volunteer….
We provide T shirts which give volunteers a sense of identity and credibility within their communities….
We also provide caps…
…and bags to carry working materials and to transport TB sputum samples to the laboratory for testing…
Our volunteers are trained by our District Trainers….
Leprosy has a cure!
Treatment is free!
…and then begins the work of educating communities…
Leprosy has a cure!
Treatment is free!
Persistent cough for 3+ weeks?
Could be TB, let’s go & get you tested!
That fever could be malaria!
Let’s go to the health centre for diagnosis
Sleeping under treated mosquito nets helps to prevent malaria!
That fever could be malaria!
Let’s go to the health centre for diagnosis
Thanks for listening!
