We had a wonderful experience in Ghana, West Africa working with United Hands, Inc. to conduct health screenings, and provide primary medical care to the needy. We worked in Mayenda, located in the Central Region of Ghana and in Mallam, located in the Greater Accra Region.
With your help we were able to raise a little over $6,000. This was truly a blessing! In addition to meeting medical needs, this money was used to provide lunch/water for over 2,000 people who waited many hours to be seen; various lab tests performed by three local lab technicians; additional medication purchased while in Ghana; bath soaps; female hygiene products; composition books; pencils; erasers; sharpeners; toothpaste and brushes; religious/health books and pamphlets. Ninety pairs of eye glasses were also distributed. In addition, we distributed a small amount of clothing and stuffed animals to the infants.
In a four day period, we met the needs of over 1,200 adults and 300 children. In addition to this, we held health talks with additional groups sharing similar medical issues and distributed care packets to school children who were not seen by a physician or dentist. The twenty-four person team consisted of four doctors (3 emergency medicine physicians and 1 OB/GYN), one medical student, one dentist, one dental assistant, two nurses, one nursing student, one surgical technician, and other support staff, including one minister. Three local lab technicians were used to run specific lab tests on site.
Needless to say, the need was far greater than we were able to provide. We estimated that 500 people were turned away. Yet, God used you through us, to help those we did. It might have been that one Malaria or high blood pressure pill, the antibiotic for a sick child or a simple bar of soap… THEY WERE GREATFUL!! and each of you will be blessed because of your generous and unselfish contribution.
It was not all work. One of the highlight of our trip was visiting the Cape Coast area and Elmina. These are areas where the slave trade began. It was a very humbling experience.
We are truly blessed to have family, friends and colleagues who responded when asked. We thank you and God bless you.
Contributed by
Wayne Hamilton
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