Five-year-old Gee, carried by her mother, arrived to the clinic in critical condition due to dengue fever.

SIQUIJOR, Philippines – When 5-year-old Gee arrived at the Operation Blessing medical clinic, her condition was critical.

The young girl was suffering from dengue fever. Without medical care, the severest form of this painful mosquito-borne disease can be fatal. Proper treatment lowers the mortality rate to 1 percent or less.

Fortunately for Gee and other residents in five barangays – or villages – in Siquijor, Philippines, an Operation Blessing medical team was there to provide the relief they needed.

Many villagers in this remote tropical island can’t afford medical care. Some can’t even afford to travel to the closest medical facility.

For five days in June, OBI doctors and dentists worked in cooperation with local health workers and volunteers to serve the needs of the people. Medical teams provided more than 2,200 residents with medical, dental, optical and surgical services.

During the week-long medical mission, 2,200 residents received treatment, including Gee (above) who was transferred to a hospital to receive more specialized care.

In Gee’s case, she was evaluated and promptly admitted to the closest hospital. Due to her critical condition, she eventually transferred to a larger hospital for more specialized care.

“The mission… really helped a lot of our people who are in need,” said Gold Calibo, mayor of Larena province, where several of the barangays are located. “We really appreciate and welcome this charitable service.”

In addition to checkups, treatment and medicine, ten disabled patients received free wheelchairs. Twelve families were also given capital to start small-scale businesses.

“Finally, I met someone who really cares,” said Evelyn, another patient. “I always pray to God to send someone who could help us. I never imagined that help would come from a very far place.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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