Help that remains in the land of contrasts
The most spectacular sunsets, the most diverse breathtaking landscapes, the most fantastic biodiversity, the largest expanse, the kindest people, the most beautiful children’s laughter, the greatest freedom, all this is Namibia. But also the greatest corruption, the greatest injustices, the greatest poverty, the greatest hunger, and the greatest thirst, the most deficient education system, that too is Namibia. A country of contrasts, as I was to learn.
On my arrival in Rundu in the north of Namibia, a blue Land Rover Defender with a huge cloud of dust in its luggage came bustling around the corner, the door flew open, and a cheerful, energetic, blond woman got out. That’s how I got to know and appreciate Barbara. Always full of energy, ideas and drive, without which I’m sure Mudiro would never have gotten this far. Exactly what it takes to give people hope again, to offer new perspectives, and to initiate change. During my first week at the Andara District Catholic Hospital, I was able to get to know the hospital a little bit, was present at the reports, helped with the rounds and in the afternoon with the outpatients. Already at the beginning, it was noticeable that an unbelievable number of mothers presented themselves with their babies and small children, mothers who could hardly feed their children or provide them with clothing.
Children with diarrhea and skin diseases due to poor hygiene and dirty water, but especially children with malnutrition. But also the adult patients were partly malnourished, marked by alcoholism and the poor conditions they came from could not be overlooked. Nevertheless, the 3 doctors there impressed me with their great responsibility and the necessary broad knowledge. GENERAL MEDICINE is taken at its word here. From spinal anesthesia, cesarean section, newborn care, care for young and old, male and female, to internal medicine, minor surgery, infectious diseases, orthopedics, gynecology and everything else that medicine has to offer, all of this must be professionally cared for and treated. A mammoth task. I was able to make my contribution with a three-day continuing education course in emergency medicine, for which a number of physicians from all over the country or from different countries had registered. We had a great time, learned and laughed a lot together and exchanged ideas. The continuing education was very well received and the participants were very grateful for one of the few opportunities to continue their education in order to meet the daily demands in the hospital.
The work in the bush was also impressive. Already the drive there was adventurous, on a sandy road, always obstacles in the way, for hours on an uncertain journey into another world. Just the rush of people, no matter where we were, showed how urgently medical help is needed here. It is good that the Mobile Clinic is already in the starting blocks to provide help even in the hard-to-reach, almost forgotten areas.
But also the education regarding hygiene articles for girls and women, early pregnancies and contraception turned out to be incredibly important. Through Marlis, a dear midwife also from Switzerland, numerous pieces of training could take place in this regard, which was very well received and certainly made a great contribution to the help that remains.
Insgesamt bin ich beeindruckt von all dem, was Barbara mit Mudiro alles leistetOverall, I am impressed by all that Barbara does with Mudiro, with what power and vehemence the small and large problems are addressed. It is certainly not an easy task to keep the balance and to do justice to all/all, thank you very much that I was allowed to be part of Mudiro., mit welcher Power und Vehemenz die kleinen und grossen Probleme angegangen werden. Es ist sicher keine leichte Aufgabe die Balance zu halten und allem/allen gerecht zu werden, vielen Dank, dass ich Teil von Mudiro sein durfte.
~ Karolina Büchel