A new mobile clinic has just been launched to provide free healthcare to primary school children who are not able to get healthcare in their areas!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – Thousands of children die every year of preventable illnesses. Many children in South Africa have been identified as not getting their routine vaccinations which encourages the spread of illnesses. With proper medical care, children can live a healthier and happier life.
During July Penny Appeal embarked on a fundraising campaign to raise funds for a Mobile Medical bus. The Penny for a Laugh Charity Comedy Tour with host, Riaad Moosa proved to be a success in highlighting the health needs of vulnerable and under-resourced areas, specifically to where access to medical attention and care was scarce. The bus has officially launched in November, serving areas in and around the Western Cape area.
“Penny Appeal wants to help as many poor and needy people around the world as we can, including those in our communities here in South Africa. We have carefully developed our At Home campaign to offer much-needed support to the most vulnerable in our communities. We focus largely on food distributions, sustainable livelihoods, water solution projects, education, ECD, health, female empowerment, and so much more throughout South Africa.”
According to COO for Penny Appeal, Shaheen Sha, a R1000 donation provides access to general primary healthcare such as vaccinations, health education and counseling, nutritional assessments, growth monitoring, motor skills and development milestones, hearing assessments, provision of check and treat of minor ailments and referrals to local clinics or hospitals for more serious health issues.
“We are also, with the help of our partners, providing dental care and eye care. The dentist on-board will do oral hygiene education, scaling and polishing (cleaning), fluoride treatments, application of fissure sealants, tooth extractions and fillings.”
Children will also be provided with visual screening, eye health examination, provision of medication for children with minor ailments and referrals to eye clinic should there be more serious eye care issues. With this array of treatments available to children, it will aid in the proper healthcare treatments, minimising the chances of serious conditions when they are older.
When asked about the motivation for the project, Sha said that development and investing in the youth of our country was a cause close to the heart for Penny Appeal.
The bus will travel between primary schools, offering free medical care to learners in communities.
Your small change can make a big difference in ensuring that quality access is provided. To donate, or learn more about this campaign, donations can be made at www.pennyappeal.org.za/donate or call Penny Appeal offices for more information: 031 11 00 573.
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