Supporting Health Care
Missionvale Township is home to many of the sickest and most vulnerable in South Africa. The legacy of the systematic oppression that was apartheid created overwhelming poverty, malnutrition, and unemployment…all of which contributed to the staggering statistics of sickness, including HIV infections and tuberculosis.
The Missionvale Care Center approaches health care in a holistic way. With Sister Ethel’s formal training as a nurse, she knows health is more than the absence of disease and has developed programs and services to address the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of people in addition to their physical health.
Health Care at Missionvale
The Care Center provides health care to the community in a variety of ways
Medical Clinic
The Medical Clinic provides direct access to the services of a volunteer doctor and registered nurse. The doctor is available two days a week and the clinic’s facility enables the doctor to diagnose and treat patients, including performing minor surgeries.
Once a week, Nursing Sister runs a Women’s Clinic and physiotherapists volunteer every Thursday. There is also an Eye Clinic on site where a volunteer optometrist provides optical exams once a week and helps to provide the people with glasses when necessary.
Community Care Givers
Those too ill to come to the Care Center’s Medical Clinic are cared for through our Community Health Practitioners.
These 20 dedicated caregivers make an average of 30 home visits to those in need. They have completed an intensive training program provided by the Care Center to certify their skills in home care nursing, basic counseling, nutrition, hygiene and a comprehensive HIV/AIDS education component.
They also teach family members how to care for their sick loved one including teaching them how to bath the person, keep them comfortable, feed them, etc.
Pharmacy
A pharmacy is integrated into the Medical Clinic. From it, medication is dispensed to patients with a prescription written from the doctor and under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.
For a one-time contribution of $375, you could provide the required training for a Missionvale resident to become a Health Care Practitioner.
For a recurring monthly contribution of $100, you could help keep the Medical Clinic stocked with necessary supplies and medicine needed each day.