According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this week began
with World Health Day.
Each year in April, the international community observes a day of special
recognition for broad-scale efforts to combat disease, for improvements
in global health practices, and for all supporters of universal health and wellbeing. If it sounds grandiose, it is.
But days of
recognition are important for the average person to pause and remember that big
changes must start small – at the personal and community levels. That’s why this week TTL
wants to say a special thank-you to Lesotho’s Village Health Workers.
We’ve called them ‘Our Eyes and Ears’ and it couldn’t be more accurate. Without the help of Village Health Workers, we could not stay as intimately connected to our clients and their communities.
TTL relies on a system of referrals to ensure that we identify the danger signs
of acute malnutrition and other serious illnesses long before they become
severe cases. We do our best to keep children with their families and caregivers, bringing them to the TTL Safe Home only as a last resort.
These dedicated men and women help TTL to identify children suffering
from the adverse effects of HIV/AIDS, TB, acute malnutrition, and complications with the home setting. When
our Outreach team goes to visit current clients in a community, Village Health Workers frequently
assist them by introducing particularly needy children
who could benefit greatly from TTL’s services.
The small daily efforts of the
Village Health Workers all over Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka districts definitely add up. We are especially grateful for the consistent support provided to the youngest and most vulnerable in the highlands of Lesotho.
From all of us at TTL, rea leboha (thank you) to Village Health Workers and to all others who serve their communities in small ways each day.
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