Vaccinating dump workers in Quito

Many of you are aware of the project that Extreme Response has at the Quito City Dump. This year we have been excited to see our medical clinic there develop with a nurse and doctor coming on Tuesday and Wednesday to attend to the medical needs of the 200 +/- people who "mine" through the garbage all day long. The clinic was built out of a donated Samaritan's Purse container that brought down Christmas gift boxes. Samaritan's Purse asked Extreme Response if we could use the container and we said YES!

And how exciting to see this container being used as a medical clinic for the dump workers and their children in our day care center. One of the ways that ER is helping the dump workers is by a vaccination program . . . .

Here is an excerpt from an article that my niece Cris wrote in relation to this program. During her time here, she is helping the nurse at the clinic with the vaccinations on Tuesdays and Fridays.

When I was asked to work at the medical clinic at the Zambiza dump in Quito, Ecuador, I didn't really know what to expect. But upon arrival my first day volunteering I learned about the vaccination program, sponsored by Extreme Response, that was in progress. The workers from the dump and their children are given a series of vaccines for Hepatitis A and B and also a tetanus shot. Such a simple thing that I have taken for granted means so much to them. All the people are very polite and thankful for the vaccines.

Hepatitis and tetanus are a real threat as they sort through the garbage every day. As of November 6, 2007, 302 adults and children have been vaccinated. Many of these vaccines were done before I arrived.

What complicates things is that the Hepatitis vaccinations are a series and people must come back a couple of times for boosters. The nurse there, Ana, has been very busy keeping records, giving vaccinations, and helping the doctor with patients who come for other medical treatment. I can't imagine how she did it alone and I am glad I can be of help. It is encouraging to me to think I have had a hand in something that will have a positive effect on their lives for years to come.