Excerpts from Camphor Medical Mission Report

                    CAMPHOR MISSION REPORT January 2010

Transportation
The mission bought a motorcycle and the Bishop has been very generous to let us borrow his Landcruiser again. This is helpful in times of clinic emergencies and when transport to the Buchanan government hospital is necessary. The vehicle is helpful when it starts. We may have our electrical and fuel system problems finally solved. With dusty and rough roads maintaining a car here is challenging and expensive.

Clinic
Danny continues to be the medical consultant. Our census continues to be low. We have seen some emergencies with people being carried by village members in hammocks. We are trying to do community outreach to encourage people to come to the clinic before it is so critical that they cannot walk. There seems to be resistance in the community to this message. We are pleased with our reliable vaccination program. Prior to our arrival the cold box had no kerosene scheme to keep the vaccine cold. The mothers were often disappointed after walking from their village to the clinic. Now we see several well babies every week who are receiving the full compliment of vaccination.

Continuing Education
The clinic sent two staff to an HIV/AIDS workshop in Monrovia.
Danny met with the new doctor at the Buchanan government hospital. He is excited to meet other doctors in the neighborhood. We talked about a partnership where he would go into town once a week for ward rounds and teaching.

Dental Health
Danny and Kathy taught the 7th and 8th graders about dental hygiene during their Science/Biology class. We gave out toothbrushes and toothpaste to the class. Thanks Jordan!

Things we hope to accomplish and timeline

2 wells in neighboring villages, February

1 borehole on the mission, February

Hosting UMVIM Team from Minnesota and 3 visitors from Garfield UMC, Ohio
Finishing Judy Olin UMVIM Guesthouse before the rainy season, end of March

Toothbrush distribution in villages and at school

Submitted by Kathy and Danny Dickriede, February 1, 2010

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