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TODOS SANOS!
ALECRIM
Dr. Luis Neyra MD, from ALECRIM center in Huachipa, informed us about some of the achievements gained at the center, and also the illnesses, needs, and difficulties the children are exposed to. Here are some of his comments:.
"The improvements we have made are specially related with the children’s anthropometric indicators, in other words, the children had gained weight and height since they go to the center. More than 45% of the children who arrived to the ALECRIM center were extreme undernourished or chronic undernourished.
We had also improved the hygiene in general, which is the key factor to prevent 60% of the illnesses and diseases.
From the 350 cases we had at the center’s consulting room, we can identify three types of illnesses:
• Skin or dermatology diseases: Pediculus Humanus (Lice), Acarosis (Scabie) and Impetigo (a bacterial infection).
• Respiratory illnesses: Rhinopharyngitis, Pharyngitis, Severe Pharyngitis, Chronic Tonsillitis and Asthma.
• Gastroenterology and digestive diseases: Severe or Chronic Diarrhea with or without dehydration, considering that around 95% of these children have intestinal parasites infections.
Parasites infections deeply affect the child’s development since the parasites steal the vital nutrients from the body, so children end up having anemia that results in poor concentration skills, among other problems."
Dr. Luis Neya continues, "even though we have made much progress, one thing that we cannot control is their poor hygienic, overcrowded living conditions and the fact that they live with domestic and non-domestic animals in the same house."
ARENITAS DEL MAR
The following information, concerning the illnesses suffered by the children until August 2005, was obtained with the help of the "DANIEL ALCIDES CARRION" Institute, the teachers’ observation in class and a parents’ survey:
Data Results:
1. Most of the respiratory infections, allergies and skin conditions are to blame on their living conditions. The children and their families live in a very humid climate since their houses are very close to the sea.
2. The area where they live does not have water and sewer services, therefore the children are exposed to contamination and infectious diseases. Another important fact, which explains the severe and chronic diseases and illnesses they have, are the lack of prompt treatment because of their financial needs.
Treatment: Thanks to the center’s infirmary we were able to treat the sick children on time, in that way the illnesses were stopped before they turned into a chronic condition that is harder to cure.
Last year, the following activities were done in order to treat the illnesses and diseases:
1. A dental health crusade directed by Dr. José Oré MD.
2. Intestinal Parasites Infections Eradication Treatment organized by the Health Institute "Nutri-Vida".
3. Anemia Treatments organized by the Health Institute "Nutri-Vida".
4. Pediculosis (lice) Treatments.
5. Pest Control in the classrooms.
6. Rubeola Immunization Crusade for children and adults.
7. The rest of illnesses and disease were treated as they showed up.
The results were very positive at the end of the Health Crusades in our center since we manage to diminish the illnesses in 90%.
Once again, MANY THANKS to The Sonrisas-Peru Family, for being an important part in the lives of these children.
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