The last days we were too few people from the group to offer everything we have with us at the distribution place. A decision had to be made on which cars we would go with and who would do which tasks. We decided not to take the medical bus and only treat minor medical issues with the medical backpack and rather continue to offer food and hot drinks the recharging station and wifi.
I found it difficult to weigh this. Many people asked about the medical bus in the first two days and were disappointed not to find it. At the same time, much of what becomes medical problems is due to the poor conditions many people on the move have to live in while traveling. People catch colds because they lack clothing suitable for the weather and have to sleep on the streets. Sores develop and worsen due to poor access to spaces suitable for personal hygiene and a clean environment in which to sleep. The immune system is weakened by irregular availability of food and the constant stress of uncertainty of moving on. Many people tell us they have lost a lot of weight since being on the road.
Looking at this with my “medical eyes” I wonder how much I can improve with medical treatment. Or if more food and warm drinks will actually help people much more in staying healthy or getting healthy again.
