Wednesday 31 October 2012

First solo trip to Freedom compound yesterday to supervise the 'adherence supporters, the volunteer good neighbours who undertake to visit 'their' patients regularly, usually weekely or twice a month depending on need.  
The supporter I was supervising yesterday was Bertha, a non-English speaking woman of generous girth and smiles.  The 'Zone leader', who organises and checks on this charitable outreach, came round with us and translated for me when needed.  I could understand a lot of what was going on by reading Bertha's body language, tone of voice and expression.  She left the stool she had been given to sit on and sat down on the mat, close to her patients and spoke directly and gently.  She listened empathically to her patient, checked on her adherence to her medication, checked the storage (tricky in a tiny hut - needs to be off the ground away from kids, creatures and the awaited rains yet hung in a plastic (local name for a carrier bag) under the roof sometimes becomes unsuitably hot for the efficacy of the ARVs (anti retro viral drugs) which should be stored, as most meds, below 30 degrees,
I found the experience hot and tiring, of course, but overlaid with the urge to try and do what little I can by visiting these people, showing them respect and honouring their dignity.  
I have Margaret's mobile number and will be planning the next trip to supervise another supporter;   so far I have met David, Alice and Cecilia as well as Bertha.  David plays electric bass at Sunday Mass and has excellent English- maybe Margaret might get a rest on his day?

No comments:

Post a Comment