first mobile clinic outing

Today I went with the mobile clinic on its first outing to the small village of Los Margaritas. We arrived slightly before 9 am there was already many people waiting for treatment. The clinic operated very efficiently and saw approximatley 70 patients, the majority of whom were women and small children. There was only 1 doctor providing care but all the patients had been seen to shortly after 3 pm. The health problems from that area were mainly diaherrea, malnutrition and and muscle problems. Many of the malnutrition problems seemed to arise due to a lack of knowledge about basic health care. While waiting to be seen, many of the children would run around in the mud and put dirty hands/toys/objects in their mouths. Several went to the toilet in areas where others were playing showing clearly how sickness could spread so rapidly among the young. Around the clinic, animals such as pigs, chickens and dogs were roaming around by themselves spreading fleas and droppings which would also contribute to the poor health of the area. The village did not seem to have any running water, and the clinic had its own well which many people drank from while waiting. It was wonderful to have had the opportunity to experience and observe the culture of the guatemalan people They were all very friendly and had no complaints about waiting. Many had travelled a long way to be seen by the doctor. My experience today has greatly increased my appreciation of the health care I recieve and the everyday blessings that I so often take for granted. I have only been in Guatemala for two full days but already the trip has been amazingly eye opening and i look forward to the remaining time here. Hannah Vick