Medicine for Miracles – Papoli
Medicine for Miracles was created as a pilot program in 2016 to bridge the gap between the poorest community members in Papoli, Uganda and the Robert H. Cooley Pediatric Clinic’s inability to distribute medicines free of charge to those in dire need. The goal was to provide worming for malnourished children and malaria medications for children and elderly in the village who have no resources and are not able to pay even a minimal charge. By providing much needed malaria medication for free, this program was implemented to save the lives of the most vulnerable members of the community: the children and elderly. It was also created to provide a means for children to remain healthy and stay in school, which is vital toward changing the future for these youths.
In 2016, a total of 336 school children and 52 community children were given worming medications, vitamins and malarial treatment as needed. 102 community adults were also assisted. 200 widows were given special attention as they make up the poorest and most under served in the community. A total of 264 cases of malaria were treated.
A stated goal of the program was to reduce absenteeism in schools due to sickness. Before this program was instated, school absenteeism was about 45%. The number of children absent in 2016 was significantly reduced so that school administrators now cite absenteeism due to illness as minimal.
The impact on this program on changing lives for the children and widows in this community is evident. For this reason, VPI hopes to continue to fund this program for the future.
Your support will allow these, the most vulnerable in the community, to receive life saving treatment.
By sharing your gifts, you share hope for the future.
