By 5 a.m., we were already on our feet. By 6 a.m., the entire team was ready to start the first day of work in Benga.
The day began with getting to know the people who will accompany and help us with the translation during these days. Then, organizing the spaces, preparing the materials and... the first patients.
And we started off at a good pace.
During the morning We have served about 75 people, carrying out visits and health checks. An important part of the day focused on detection and monitoring of hypertension. In cases with higher values, treatment has been initiated for the next three months and the importance of continuing to monitor it has been explained.
To finish the morning we did a Talk about hypertension With the patients. With the help of translation, the session has turned into a conversation with many questions and doubts. An essential part of the mission is precisely this: not only to provide care, but also to share knowledge, prevent and help better understand one's own health.
The afternoon also took us outside the hospital. During one of the home visits, the team’s physiotherapist worked with a 43-year-old person who had suffered a stroke and had mobility difficulties. With simple exercises and movements, they worked on getting up and getting in position, and the family learned some guidelines to help them continue to help in their daily lives. Even simple resources like a tennis ball can become tools here to continue working when the team is no longer there.
And when it seemed that the day was starting to end, there was still work left to be done.
Part of the team carried out home visits, and another went to the hospital. There, they had to deal with a medical incident that was not planned. Since there was no vehicle available at that time, part of the team returned on foot to procure the necessary materials and medication.
When they returned to the hospital, It was already night.
The necessary care could be provided and, finally, we were able to reunite with the rest of the team.
Today the day had a bit of everything: consultations, prevention, training, the hospital, homes and also unexpected events.
The mission is already underway!
