Supplies for Yupukari

Hi guys,

I have been asked by a friend if she could donate some supplies for me to bring to Yupukari. She has taken an interest in the foundation and has even offered to do some fundraising to raise money for supplies. So the question is, what do we need?

Also, when I'm done in Yupukari I'm planning on flying to Ecuador to meet up with a friend. Does anyone know where the closest airport I could fly out of is?

Thanks,
Marcus

Can I help from here?

Hey Guys,
I was wondering if there is anything I can do from here.....just let me know?
What happened to Mary at the health post? Did she go away to do training?

Marcus...if you want to get together, or talk before you head down there just give me a shout!!

Mike, Say HI to everyone there for me. and if you have time could you send me the telegraph.

~Sienna

Hi Everyone,
Things in Yupukari are great, the people are wonderful especially the kids! So far I have been focusing on an after-school literacy program (the actual reason I came down here) so I really haven't spent much time at the health post. However, it seems there is a lot of potential for a good project working with the health workers.
From what I have seen (and this probably applies more to Marcus and Nicole), there are countless ways in which volunteers can help; it all depends upon what you are interested in. The health post is very basic: there is a microscope (for identifying malaria), a scale (broken), an examining table, and some great information pamphlets created by previous volunteers. The employees (there are two of them: a microscopist, Jones, and the health worker, Sylvester) do keep records of whom they treat, the diagnosis and the medication given. They can order meds from Lethem which arrive four times per year. They receive meds for acute illnesses such as malaria, infections and diarrhea but nothing for chronic illnesses (ie. hypertension, diabetes etc).
The post is a very small operation and from what I saw they are very limited in what they can do for their patients.
So, the potential for volunteer work is tremendous! The info pamphlets are great, easy to read and accessible and I think they can be expanded on. I've been working on a very basic puberty guide for girls because from what I've heard they receive little information. Other ideas for pamphlets include easy to read educational guides on how your body works (ie. 'this is digestion'). Like I said though, the opportunities are endless, it just depends what you are interested in. Marcus, Alice told me that you are a microbiology student and that you might be interested in working with Jones? If you have any questions, would like me to speak with him or look into anything for you, please don't hesitate to ask. The same goes for Nicole. I'll be here till late July and have regular internet access. I hope this is somewhat helpful!
take care,
Maia

I AM JEALOUS!!!

I am jealous of anyone who is there, or gets to go there! Keep me updated on what is going on and how things are. I miss it there :( Pictures would be nice.

How to get to Yupukari

Hi Everyone,

So I'm about the book my flight but I guess the big question is, what's the best way to get to Yupukari? Can you fly to somewhere nearby do I have to take the bus? Thanks.

Hi all

Currently we have Maia here at Caiman House until July 30. She will be attending med school at Mcgill in Sept. and has taken an interest in building on the health information project that Belinda, Sienna and Khem have all contributed to. Marcus, a UVic microbiology graduate, will be with us in Sept and Oct to volunteer and could use some suggestions/guidance as to what to prepare/bring/expect/plan. Khem's donated microscope should arrive around the same time as Marcus.

And just this morning we received an e-mail from Nicole Johnson, who has just applied to med schools in hopes of becoming a physician's assistant and who is thinking of volunteering in Yupukari!

We here in Yupukari are wondering whether a blog where you all (Maia, Marcus, Sienna, Khem, Nicole) could discuss, wax, spew etc is a good idea. Maia is here on the ground now so she can report locally and relay Jones' perspective(the microscopist, Nicole Marcus) or even get him using the blog or at least starting.

One place to get everyone's thoughts and questions and ideas down.