Stayed in my Mind

It has been great to be at St. Martin de Porres Hospital for the last several days with the Hakes.   It has been hard, though, to see the burden of diseases born by people here, particularly Malaria, Tuberculosis, and HIV.

There were two patient's this week who stayed in my mind.  The first was a young man who had recently been admitted with all of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV.  He had a prolonged hospitalization during which his malaria was treated, his tuberculosis begun on treatment which allowed him to return safely to his home, and his HIV begun on treatment.  He looked happy and strong.  The total cost for this hospitalization was about $110.  The second patient was a young infant who was admitted to pediatrics with pneumonia and a severe congenital liver problem.  The pneumonia was treated, but there are not the medical resources available to evaluate or treat his liver problem.  
 
The young man is a joyful reminder of how much can be done with so little to help people.  The young infant was a sobering reminder of the inequities of the distribution of healthcare in the world.