On a recent trip to Nepal, Leah, a nurse in Buffalo, reflected on her time at our clinic there. Jericho Road Nepal is bringing healthcare to some of the most remote areas in the world–because we know that everyone having access to healthcare affects the health of all of us.
“Patients walk eight hours to get here, planning their entire day around a visit to Jericho Road and often bringing meals for their journey. Having a health care center in this remote village has allowed access to many who have never seen a health care provider in their life.
We take so much for granted in America, like easy access to healthcare, vaccines, and diapers for babies. This week we saw cases of chicken pox, typhoid, tuberculosis, and uterine prolapse, along with so many other issues. There are limited resources here. Chickenpox, typhoid, and tuberculosis are diseases that can be effectively prevented or managed with proper medical care and vaccinations, yet they are significant limitations in the clinic. Similarly, conditions like uterine prolapse, which can often be managed or treated effectively in resource-rich settings, may go untreated due to a lack of medical supplies.
These disparities highlight the importance of global health initiatives and the need for increased support and resources to improve health outcomes in underserved areas like Hagam, Nepal. Efforts such as vaccination clinics, public health education, and improved access to essential medical supplies can make a significant difference in Hagam and the surrounding villages. The Jericho Road team has been doing their best with what they have, but they pray for the day when vaccines are readily available. We all do.
The staff here work so hard, many times working after hours. They also share every meal together and, somehow, still seem to like each other! Really, they have become family. Some of our staff are from the surrounding villages, but for others, their families are many hours away and they only see them once a month. Our Nepali colleagues have sacrificed so much to be here, but they have said they do not mind because they all share the same vision for serving those who need it the most.
Witnessing such selflessness and dedication is a reminder of the impact that compassionate individuals can have on the world. It is also a testament to the strength that can come from working together towards a common goal of quality, accessible healthcare. Our colleagues demonstrate principles of love, compassion, and provide health care for all. These actions make a significant difference in people’s lives.”
Leah Pennario is a Registered Nurse. She works at one of our five clinics in Buffalo, NY as a nurse educator and manager. This trip to Nepal was heavily focused on building more access to our clinic. Leah also joined our team there in outreach with the goal of inviting women to the clinic and educating them on maternal and women’s health issues… More on that to come.
Since Leah’s trip, our colleagues in Nepal have received a much-welcomed upgrade to the roads leading to the clinic (see above!). It is always hard to travel the mountainous terrain but almost impossible depending on the time of year. These paved roads will be life-changing for our staff and our patients (literally!).
