Delivering medicine in Africa
Posted by Stephen Rhodes
Joan Baillie was part of a a group of 13 Christians that travelled to Africa to deliver medication. She thanked the club for helping to pay for part of her trip and encouraged us to get involved because the need is great.
Joan said her group delivered medical packages to the needy in Kenya and Uganda. Each member took two 35-pound packs, which cost about $6,000 each but contain enough medication to treat 1,500 people. The drugs are donated and made available through a Christian organization in Montreal.
"We deliver them to ensure they get to the right people and are properly dispensed," she said.
Joan said she was most taken by the orphaned children, left so because AIDS had killed their parents. Grandparents looking after their children, children looking after children with a middle generation almost entirely wiped out.
"The children need a chance. They need this medication. They need so many things."
She suggested that Rotary consider sponsoring children to help them complete their education. Up to Grade 8 is free, but children have to pay to go to high school and many drop out. She said they need education to help break the cycle of poverty, drug and alcohol abuse and AIDS.
Pictured, President Peter thanks Joan and her husband Bill.
"We deliver them to ensure they get to the right people and are properly dispensed," she said.
Joan said she was most taken by the orphaned children, left so because AIDS had killed their parents. Grandparents looking after their children, children looking after children with a middle generation almost entirely wiped out.
"The children need a chance. They need this medication. They need so many things."
She suggested that Rotary consider sponsoring children to help them complete their education. Up to Grade 8 is free, but children have to pay to go to high school and many drop out. She said they need education to help break the cycle of poverty, drug and alcohol abuse and AIDS.
Pictured, President Peter thanks Joan and her husband Bill.