Without proper access to medical care, nutritious food and vitamins, children have a high risk of illness, jeopardizing their ability to attend school and learn. But you can give children the chance for healthy and bright futures.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, the indigenous inhabitants of Bolivia struggle to access health services and face high mortality rates. They suffer from treatable sicknesses such as acute respiratory infections, acute diarrheal diseases, pneumonia and malaria with a higher incidence in children and adolescents. In addition, many girls, who often get pregnant between 13 and 19 years old, face childbirth-related complications (Source: United Nations Population Fund).
Many indigenous communities do not have a health center or medical equipment. For many, travelling to the nearest ill-equipped clinic can take up to an hour on foot. For other communities, one traveling doctor visits some houses only once or twice a month.
Eighty percent of indigenous people in Bolivia use traditional medicine like herbs and plants to treat all types of illnesses. At times, this can be effective, but not for the most complex ailments.
The Church Provides Medical Care
One of our partner churches, Maranatha Central, was not indifferent to this need. They joined forces with mission organizations and the local government to find a solution. They held many meetings before they launched the medical campaigns. Thankfully God provided safe transportation on the difficult road.
The medical campaigns helped 235 people including children, women and men of different ages and needs. About fifty volunteers had various roles such as evangelism, providing medicine and more. Truly, the Gospel serves and reaches the most vulnerable in their needs.
One of the volunteer doctors, Dr. Ruddy shared: “Thank God for the generous donors and the Maranatha Church for the support they gave to these communities. There are so many needs for medical care in these rural, isolated locations. Above all, thank you for bringing the Word of God with much love, and for the leadership of the Maranatha church that also prepared a special children’s program.”
A Grateful Community
Many local authorities and families from the community also expressed their gratitude. Mayor Vaca expressed: “First of all, I thank God, and the brothers and sisters of the Maranatha Church, pastor Juan, brother Carlos and to the entire team that accompanied them. Thanks to the doctors and nurses, and especially to Bright Hope donating medicines for the five communities of our municipality. In my capacity as the first municipal authority, I will be vigilant in the use of the medicine. They will be very well used among patients with the greatest needs.”
Manuel, a 74-year-old community member explained: “I came to get an injection of medicine at the medical campaign because the city health center, where I normally get treatment, only attends to emergencies on Saturdays.”
Medical Care in Third World Countries Starts With You
When we respond to urgent needs, armed by God’s power and love, we can make a huge impact! Thank you so much for helping and contributing to make health care more accessible to the extreme poor in Bolivia.
