Email 
Print 
.jpg)
Michel Redondo (France)
The Medecins du Monde team packs up food
and medical supplies and makes its way
on to the Atrato River. The team will
visit communities along the river's edge
and set up clinics to hold consultations,
treat patients and educate local people
on the treatment and prevention of
diarrhoea. The only access to these
communities is by foot, boat or
helicopter and the only means of
communication is by satellite phone.
REF:
.jpg)
Michel Redondo (France)
A MDM UK doctor treats a child of the
indigenous Embera community. This group
has suffered economically and socially
as a civil conflict continues in the
region. Malaria, dengue and yellow fever
are endemic. Malnutrition is rampant
among children despite the natural
resources.
REF:
.jpg)
Michel Redondo (France)
The difficult living conditions across
the Choco region have reduced life
expectancy and most adults die before
the age of 60. A lack of education and
group habits have contributed to make
disease more prevalent and oral hygiene
is practically non-existent.
REF:
.jpg)
Michel Redondo (France)
The Embera are warm and welcoming: a
tightly knit society that takes care of
its own. There is no family planning
and women are generally not receptive to
gynaecological tests or treatment.
REF:
Michel Redondo (France)
Local girls carry water from the River
Atrato to be used for drinking, cooking
and washing. Few families in the Choco
region use any form of water
purification and defecating in the river
is common practice. Because diarrhoea is
one of the most common ailments MDM is
trying to introduce oral rehydration to
combat the problem.
REF:
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
