Medicina Mais Perto: Moçambique (MMP:Mz) is an international voluntary project of AEFML developed in partnership with local associations in Mozambique. The main goal of this project is to take medical and social support to a population whose access to healthcare is obstructed by simple issues like the lack of transportation, lack of money to pay for a consult or just by the fear of doctors.
Partners:
- Associação Voluntária das Mães e Crianças Carenciadas (AVOMACC)
- DREAM of Africa Centre (support centre for HIV+ patients)
- Congregation of São João Baptista do Fomento
So, what do we do on the field?
- Health check-ups and consulting for mothers and their children
- Refer them to more specialized centres in case of need;
- Give lectures about maternal health, HIV/AIDS, family planning, infectious diseases, nutrition, dental health and household management;
- Refer families for HIV testing;
- Domiciliary visits and help in household management;
- Encourage mothers to go back to school;
At last 3 editions, during the 9 weeks of the programme, more than 100 children and 60 mothers in need were screened, advised and accompanied. There were about 50 lectures for AVOMACC’s pre-school teachers and other workers, dozens of HIV tests were done and included follow-up of the results and many home visits.
This year we want to keep doing this work, evaluate the health status and support these mothers and children’s education. Otherwise, it’s very difficult for them to have access to healthcare.
"Hora da Saúde Oral"
Are we needed?
We are indeed. AVOMACC’s school shelters the most in need families and their children. Many never have been to Maputo (20km) or have seen the sea. Most of them fall back on witchdoctors either because they cannot go to the hospital or because they do not trust in medical care. Many die or acquire chronic diseases through witchdoctors’ ineffective action.
In past editions some mothers found out they are HIV+ (in a region where near half the population is) before they had any symptoms, which allows an early intervention that might save many lives. Screening for severe diseases (e.g.: cancer) and potentially severe diseases (e.g.: malignant hypertension) was done. Several lectures were given and mothers were personally followed.
Pre-school teachers implemented the “Dental care hour” during which every child brush their teeth. Some children were taken to the hospital, some were HIV+ and other had acute illnesses. All of them went through a comprehensive medical examination.
Much more was done, but you have to believe it when we say that there still is a lot left to do! We want this project to continue and to be sustainable, that is the only way for us to contribute forthis community’s sustainable development.
We need you! How can you help?
Our purpose is to have two teams of 5 volunteersin Matola from July to September 2015, and we need your help for that!
To do this project we need € for transport, food and accommodation.
It takes only 10 minutes and some € and you can be a part of this project by making it happen!
