Zambia – When 14-year-old Joyce walked into the remote clinic in Zambia where Sara’s medical mission team was serving, the first thing the team noticed were the severe burns on the girl’s face and neck.
But the burns, though certainly painful, were not the primary reason Joyce had come looking for help. She suffered from seizures, and her family had not been able to afford the medication she needed to manage her symptoms for several months. In fact, the last time she had access to her prescription medication was 4 months ago.
Without the medication, Joyce was at constant risk of having a seizure and being injured in the process. A few days prior, Joyce had a seizure at home and fell into the family’s open cooking fire, causing the severe burns on her face and neck.
Fortunately, Sara’s medical mission team had brought boxes of medicine and supplies from MAP International and were able to provide Joyce with not only her seizure medication, but also burn care treatment.
Now, Joyce can fully enjoy her days, without living in constant fear of the next seizure. Patients like Joyce are exactly why MAP exists – to put essential medicines into the hands of those who need them most, so that they may have the chance to live life to the fullest.
Leftover burn supplies were left with the Zambian clinic so that more patients could be served even after the mission team returned home. “The supplies from MAP were a lifesaver,” says Sara, “because the remote clinic never received burn supplies from the government. The nurse in the clinic was very grateful!”
.
