The world has never been more separated, yet at the same time more united, as diseases of our time effect everyone around the globe. It is also exposing needs that are greater than ever. There is strong demand for the work of The Rotary Foundation. One prime example is the $150,000 combination of three Global Grants running from 2018-2021. This unprecedented partnership of Medical, Dental, and Eyecare Vocational Training Teams are led by ARRFC, PDG Connie Spark of York East Rotary, D7390. Once again Spark weaves her international magic, threading 49 compassionate Medical, Dental and Eyecare professionals along with a cadre of volunteers from four countries. The team worked with host Dan Kuwali of Lilongwe Club in D9210, teaching at the only medical school in Malawi. Here they delivered educational seminars, practical experience, and a large dose of hope for a better future.
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Partnering with Dr. Guilherme Fernandes of Brazil’s D4580, Spark’s Medical VTT addressed a variety of local issues ranging from infectious disease treatment and prevention, neonatal resuscitation, congenital heart disease, diagnosis, and treatment of sepsis to mental health. Following early morning patient walk-throughs at the Komuzi Central Hospital, more than 100 healthcare professionals were seminar trained along with 70 eager students. In addition, to provide sustainable care, the Medical GG donated much needed equipment including two neonatal incubators, 3 Infusion pumps, 2 suction pumps, ECG machine and a printer, 3 oxygen concentrators, mobile patient monitor, plus drugs and medical supplies to support hundreds of surgeries and clinical care. | ||
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The Dental VTT spearheaded by Dr. Bill Lane and Dr. David Zelley of New Jersey’s D7640 partnered with Dentists from Brazil through the teach then practice method. This advanced dental team completed routine pain alleviating procedures and fillings, avoiding extractions when possible. But they went far beyond that, detecting and removing cancers along with performing cheek repairs. Dental team expanded the scope and ability of treatment by repairing four operatories. They donated a new dental clinic in a local community, partnering with the hospital who agreed to staff the new unit. Dental Team provided an autoclave and repaired four compressors. The team donated much needed hand pieces, digital X-rays, and instruments along with instruction on how to use and maintain the equipment to meet local health care demands. | |
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The VTT Eyecare Team, led by Dr. Robert McClenathan of Lancaster, combined several nearby clubs including long time Rotary volunteers Dr. Joe Rebman of Elizabethtown and Dr. Amy Spotts from Mechanicsburg North Club all within D7390. Dr. McClenathan then garnered the strong support of 6 Optometrists from Denmark’s D1440 to provide eye examinations, made-to-order glasses, reading glasses and low vision aids to hundreds of patients. The Eye Team offered a variety of training sessions including glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Inspired by his passion for East African people with Albinism, Dr. Bob McClenathan dedicated one day of instruction to local eyecare professionals about this inherited group of disorders. He examined 100 Albinos of the 2,000 eyecare patients and dispensed much needed, special low-vision aids.
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York East Rotarian volunteer, Victoria Dick noted that these three Rotary VTTs have changed medical treatment and practices in Malawi forever. “It is uplifting to recognize how our volunteers made a difference for a very impoverished country. It’s a real success story in doing good in the world!” One outstanding example of this is when 2 Ugandan doctors from one of Sparks previous VTT missions joined the Malawi mission. There they had taken Sepsis training. Upon return directly to their Uganda hospital, they immediately recognized a dying sepsis patient, rehydrated her, and brought her back to health. Twenty other Ugandan health care practitioners learned how to save a life with this new technique. African doctors have not historically traveled outside their own country. But through Spark’s VTTs, these Ugandan doctors not only traveled to Malawi to continue training but were able to immediately use the lessons learned to save a life and train others in their own country. A top shelf example of The Rotary Foundation doing good in the world.
Overall, more than 2500 people in Malawi benefitted from these three Global Grants. More than 267 professionals benefitted from attending classes. ARRFC, PDG Connie Spark emphasized, “Training and treatment protocols will provide a solid way forward for these Malawi doctors to diagnose and effectively treat diseases now and in the future.” These international partnerships strengthen the bonds of Rotary. Donations to The Rotary Foundation are critical in providing life changing Global Grants. Sharing training and support with one-another around the world creates not only great partnerships but great hope for the future.