A medical team which consisted of Margaret Mortimer, FNP, MPH and Megan Schwehr, MD, visited TOUCO in January 2024. They had a meaningful visit from January 17-22, 2024 to Ibumila /Dorothea/Upendo village. They are grateful for the warm and loving welcome.
Dr. Megan Schwehr and Margaret completed 136 health assessments, with Father Walter and the matrons assistance including a visit to Uwemba. The most common category of conditions identified were: dental, skin, eyes, ears, cough/URI, pain, stomach. Rx’s similarly shared based on these conditions were anti-fungals, anti-itch/allergy, analgesics, eye drops, antibiotics, and antacids. They spent time with Father Walter and Sister Frieda organizing all the health records. They were able to update growth charts for many kids as they had 3 data points sometimes dating back to our first medical team visit in June 2019.
Mostly appropriate progression on growth charts was noted. Although, kids were often below the first percentile for weight and height, as a result of nutritional stunting due to low/chronic malnutrition or insufficient nutrition from a young age.
Nutrition recommendations were reviewed.
The onsite pharmacy was organized, restocked, and reviewed with Sister Frieda.
Margaret and Megan enjoyed exploring Upendo village, seeing the completed projects of chimneys from stoves in the cook areas of the households, and learning about African history from father Bruno. They especially loved playing soccer with the kids and father Walter.
