Day 3: Orphanage!

One of the guys in the Elective Africa program is trying to start a company called “International Medical Aid” which he hopes will eventually be able to help underprivileged countries across the world. He asked for some help with a medical camp at an orphanage this morning, so that is where I spent most of my day. This orphanage is home to 270 children and is in the middle of a very poor village. First off, the children were absolutely adorable and loved just holding our hands. But getting down to the point, we provided progress booklets to record the children’s weight, height and temp, and they were also seen by two Kenyan doctors we brought along. The doctors did examinations and prescribed a lot of vitamins and medication for ring worm. Since all the children are in such close proximity, and ring worm is so contagious, nearly every child in the facility was infected. Other than that, most were in good health. Since we saw and examined so many children, there was not much time to interact with them, but the coordinator of the orphanage said we were welcome to come back at any time. I have a feeling that is where the majority of my upcoming free time will be spent!

After the camp we took a quick nap and headed back to the hospital for another night shift – but pretty leery after the previous night. Once again there was not much rhyme or reason in the casualty department, but we found a doctor and asked if there was anything we could help with, and of course there was. A young woman had gone into shock and the nurses were unable to find a vein to start an IV, so the doctor asked us to try and also asked for some blood to be drawn. With a couple tips from the doctor we managed to get the line started, drew blood for testing, and sent in the orders. Unfortunately due to the lack of equipment and the woman being in shock for so long, there was nothing more we could do. It’s hard to see the bright side in situations like that, but without our assistance she wouldn’t have had any chance at all. Its difficult knowing these people would have a fighting chance in the US, but that’s not the case here in Africa.

Even something as simple as alcohol wipes are nearly impossible to find in this hospital. I knew this would be an eye-opening experience, but it has already proved way more than that, even in the short three days I’ve been at the hospital. Some of the first advice I got was “go into the hospital made of steel,” and that is most certainly true. But each day is a new day and I’m making sure my glass stays half full!

Keep the people of Mombasa in your prayers!