Volunteers care for township children and parents

A large medical outreach to the residents of the Brondal squatter camp was recently done by several Lowveld doctors and therapists under the auspices of Pediatric Care Africa (PCA).

A total of 17 medical and non-medical volunteers from StepMed in Mbombela and Church Unlimited joined forces with PCA to visit the camp where approximately 2 500 people, including about 250 children, live in 300 shacks.

According to Dr André Hattingh, dozens of children and as many adults were examined and treated. Patients where seen and attended to by a highly professional and proficient group of volunteers consisting of a doctor, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, audiologists and nursing sisters.

He said the needs were identified during a previous visit to the community and nearby government clinic. The latter experiences a constant shortage of medicine, so PCA helps by sourcing medicine prescribed by this voluntary medical team from pharmacies and then channels it to the patients via the clinic.

One two-year-old girl with an umbilical hernia required corrective surgery and another three-year-old girl with undiagnosed cerebral palsy urgently needed to see a paediatrician and neurologist. She desperately needs the correct treatment and physiotherapy, or occupational therapy, and dietary supplements. She is immobile and requires a wheelchair, as she is getting too heavy for her mother to carry everywhere.

Baby food was given to malnourished babies and small children, and excess formula donated to the clinic.

PCA also delivered 2,5 tons of goods, ranging from non-perishable food and water, toys and clothing to the residents. Its distribution will be handled by the community committee, according to need.

Children and adults were also entertained by volunteers who gave them face paintings, handed out toys and played a round of cricket with the patients to make their wait easier.