Written by: Supplied
Article source: devotedmag.co.za

The Aid to Africa outreach program of Doctors For Life International (DFL) recently visited Malawi and Mozambique over a three-week period to distribute, among others, huge numbers of sponsored mosquito nets and medical supplies. The team arrived safely at Chikuluma in Malawi on 9th November after a back-breaking 10 hours on the road on that day. From there, they travelled further and arrived on 15 November in Mozambique at another DFL clinic in Zavora, and they returned home on the 18th . In total, the trip was about 2,000 kilometres one-way.

The mosquito nets were gifted by the Kingsley Holgate Foundation and two shipments of medicines were received for the DFL clinic in Mozambique. The medication was donated by an international organisation, World’s Children Fund from Europe.

The DFL health community outreaches not only change lives profoundly but save lives by providing access to medical consultation and healthcare for vulnerable communities without the burden of cost to the patient. The Aid to Africa community outreach programme aims to help, uplift and support those vulnerable communities who are deprived of health care and certain services in African remote communities.

Dr Albertus van Eeden, fondly known as Doctor Albu, is one of the five founding members who started DFL as far back as 1991. He is currently assisted by full-time staff members and a large group of volunteers from around South Africa and other countries. DFL now has approximately 1 500 members, consisting of professionals, doctors, dentists, specialists, and veterinarians.

Through the Aid to Africa outreaches, the DFL teams provide free medical examinations, do eye surgery and supply medical treatment through short-term, mobile medical clinics. In practice, this means that groups of specialists, doctors and helpers donate their time and expertise for a brief period to provide free surgery and care in remote places in Africa where people are in huge need of medical assistance. During these outreaches, they also facilitate primary health education in communities and they train healthcare workers to ensure sustainability.  Another outreach, this time eye surgery on the blind, is planned for early next year.

The Aid for Africa outreach has changed many lives since its inception in 2001. So far:

  • A total of 10 countries were reached.
  • More than 340 000 people have been helped free of charge
  • Over 4 500 people received free glasses and can see better, and
  • A further 3 800 patients received eye surgery in 44 surgery campaigns (mostly cataracts).
  • A medical and maternity clinic in Zavora, Mozambique (established in 2009), where approximately 25 000 patients are now treated annually free of charge.
  •  The second clinic in Chikuluma, Malawi (established in 2019) and
  • A total of 3100 dental procedures.

Outreach programs such as Aid to Africa are a selfless dedication of time and other resources to benefit and improve the quality of life of others. Taking the time to help others and be kind to them can reap incredible emotional benefits for a donor. And while we can’t all join the DFL team on their life-changing missions, we can contribute as much as we can afford. For ways, you can contribute or donate, visit DFL’s website at www.doctorsforlife.co.za.  You can also read more about their work, by following the link https://online.pubhtml5.com/qulw/cmtc/#.YnP6q0otHll.

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Date published: 16/12/2022

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