Village Health

 Intro:

However, as more and more people are moving back to villages, there has been an increase in the number of potential dangers found in these areas as well. A solution to this growing problem is Village Health Guide, which provides invaluable tips on surviving common hazards associated with living in rural areas and protecting your loved ones from dangerous conditions like rabies and even poison ivy exposure.

 

Introduction

Things are not getting better concerning overall population health in many parts of Africa. In fact, according to a study published in The Lancet, over 35% of African children under 5 years old suffer from chronic malnutrition. This alarming statistic reflects that even though our continent is rich in natural resources and human potential, there are still serious health challenges facing us. Although more than three decades have passed since most African countries attained their independence, large sections of our populations remain neglected and underserved by health care services across sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, thousands of people continue to die every year from preventable causes such as diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia which can easily be treated with proper access to quality healthcare services.

 

Why visit the village doctor?

Going to see a doctor is a little intimidating at first, but you’ll find that there are many benefits to seeing your local village doctor. First of all, they will be able to give you quick, accurate diagnoses for issues such as colds and cases of flu without exposing you to expensive procedures or treatments. And, as a community service, most village doctors will offer their services for free. All in all, it’s a great way to stay healthy without spending lots of money on bills and medicines.

 

When should you see a village doctor?

If you have a minor medical issue, most places in Africa are covered by what’s called village health guides. These are often villagers who have received a small amount of training and now give basic services, such as vaccinations and wound dressings. For simple illnesses and accidents, seeing one of these village doctors can be cheaper than going to see a hospital doctor—and much faster too. In Kenya, for example, there are village health guideposts every 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on many roads leading into rural areas. In some parts of West Africa, they’re also known as barefoot doctors because they may not wear shoes at all!

 

What kind of doctor will you see in villages?

Traditional health practitioners usually live in villages. They use traditional medicines which are prepared from leaves, roots, and some local herbs. Most of these preparations are to be taken in liquid form. However, if you want to consult a qualified doctor you will most likely go to a hospital in Chitwan. Nepalgunj, Narayangarh, and Butwal are well-known hospitals around Chitwan and other cities of the South-Central region. In Nepalgunj, there is a referral hospital called Nawalparasi district hospital where many surgeries can be done (heart surgery, kidney transplant, etc.). It also has a special ward for children with Cancer since Cancer is one of the major concerns due to pollution and radiation etc.

 

What does it cost?

The cost of getting vaccinated at a Village health center is $1 (75 cents if you’re eligible for Medicaid). If you pay by cash or check, we charge an additional $1 to help cover credit card processing fees. If you are uninsured and can’t afford to pay anything, there is no charge at any Village health center. Unfortunately, many low-income adults don’t have insurance and miss out on life-saving shots for conditions like pneumonia. We know that just because your income doesn’t allow for much in terms of non-essential purchases, doesn’t mean it should be a barrier to staying healthy.

 

Any benefits?

Yes. The effects of UV rays are far-reaching and their impact on your skin, health, and eyesight may surprise you. Plus, as you’ve read above in my Benefits section, vitamin D can help prevent a plethora of illnesses, such as hypertension and certain cancers. For example, Harvard researchers reported that women who spend 10 to 15 minutes outside twice a week between 11 AM and 3 PM have a 20 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who don’t get any midday sun at all. Based on those findings, if you live in Boston during winter (like I do), it might be smart to sneak out for a little midday sun whenever possible. Sure—it’s cold outside now—but it’s also flu season!

Village Health Guide