The Color Atlas and Synopsis of Family Medicine, 3e

Chapter 7: Global Health

Ruth E. Berggren; Tiffanie C. Wong; Richard P. Usatine

COMMUNITY STORY

Common River is a U.S.-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) implementing a community development program in Aleta Wondo, Ethiopia. This NGO is founded on the principle of positive deviance, in which local best practices are identified and replicated to maximize agricultural production (organically grown coffee is produced in this region), as well as to improve the nutritional status, health, and education of orphaned and vulnerable children. Since 2009, a group from the University of Texas School of Medicine has traveled annually to Aleta Wondo to provide school health screening and free healthcare, including treatment of endemic helminth infections, trachoma, and skin diseases, while collaborating with and supporting the local government-sponsored health clinic (Figures 7-1A and B). In Figure 7-1C, the schoolchildren of Common River are looking at the new group of American medical students that have just arrived in Africa. In the coming week, these children will receive oral albendazole to treat intestinal parasites and have complete physical exams to detect and treat other common conditions, such as head lice, tinea capitis, trachoma, and foot infections. Note that many of the children are barefoot. In Figure 7-1D, a group of women has just completed their women's literacy class for the day. Improving women's literacy can improve the health of the entire community.

FIGURE 7-1

A. Many people still live in extreme poverty with no running water and electricity. This is a typical dwelling in rural Ethiopia. This one is inhabited by a grandmother, her grandchild, and a cow. The photograph was taken after a home visit to provide IM ceftriaxone to the child after her release from the local hospital where she was treated for a neck abscess and cellulitis. The medical team was staying at Common River and originated from the University of Texas. (Reproduced with permission from Richard P. Usatine, MD.) B. A University of Texas medical student helps an elderly man to a chair where he will be seen by the medical team working in Aleta Wondo. One of the local nursing students is observing the clinical activity. (Reproduced with permission from Lester Rosebrock.) C. The schoolchildren of Common River in rural Ethiopia greet the new group of American medical students that have just arrived in Africa. D. Smiling women who have just completed their women's literacy class for the day. Improving women's literacy is a great way to raise the health status of the community. (Reproduced with permission from Richard P. Usatine, MD.)