By Dr. Josefina Pamela O. Carpio | Mobile Heath Clinic Project Coordinator
The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected all aspects of life in Metro Manila, as it has in all parts of the world since it started more than a year ago. The biggest impact of the pandemic to the street children and their families resulted from (1) the community quarantine and its effects on livelihood and access to basic needs such as food and supplies, especially of the informal sector or daily-waged employees, (2) its effects on education, (3) rampant disinformation in social media, and (4) poor access to health care brought about by fear and lack of resources. While the different activities and projects under Childhope’s Street Education and Protection Program have adapted to the changes brought about by the restrictions enforced by the government, the KliniKalye also continued to provide primary health services to Childhope’s beneficiaries.
From July to December 2021, a total of three hundred and fifty five (355) health services were provided to Childhope’s beneficiaries and their family members.
Sex and Age Distribution of Patients.
For this quarter, fifty seven percent (57%) of patients were female, while the remaining forty three percent (43%) were male. This trend of having slightly more female patients has been consistent for years.
Majority of the patients for this quarter were between seven (7) to eleven (11) years old, accounting for thirty three percent (33%) of all patients. Twenty five percent (25%) were patients twelve (12) to seventeen (17) years old. Nine percent (9%) were eighteen to twenty one (21) years old, corresponding to the older beneficiaries under the Educational Assistance Project for college and/or Vocational and Technical Skills Training Project, as well as former beneficiaries. The remaining thirty one percent (31%) comprised children six (6) years old and below, most of which were siblings of beneficiaries or children of former beneficiaries. Lastly, two percent (2%) were those patients more than twenty one (21) years old, who were mostly older siblings or parents of beneficiaries, or former beneficiaries.
Medical Consultations.
During this pandemic, most consultations were conducted through telemedicine, utilizing online platforms or simple mobile phone calls. Face-to-face consultations were carried out only when urgent and necessary, following very strict health protocols. Medical referrals for diagnostic tests, check-ups with specialists, or emergency treatment, were still carried out by social workers, following all necessary health protocols.
During consultations, beneficiaries also underwent one- on-one medical counselling as each case warranted. Some of the topics discussed with the Physician included the following:
Medicines and Medical Supplies.
After telemedicine consultation, patients received their medicines and/or medical supplies (for wound care) at least a day after. These were endorsed to the patients’ respective street educators, who then handed the items over to the patients directly, or through youth leaders, parents, or other community leaders. Special precautions were done in order to avoid close contact between the patients with COVID-19 related symptoms, and those bringing the medicines.
Supplements and Hygiene Kits.
Supplements and hygiene kits were regularly provided to Childhope’s beneficiaries. Supplements included Vitamin C with Zinc, Iron, and/or Multivitamins and Minerals. These were given after consultations to correct and prevent micronutrient deficiencies due to poor diet, to improve and maintain nutritional status, to strengthen their immune system, and to hasten their recovery from illnesses. The supplements were given together with the needed medicines and/or medical supplies.
Supplements were also included in the hygiene kits that were distributed together with relief goods. These hygiene kits also contained the following:
Disabilities and Fatalities.
Until December 2021, there were no fatalities, and no disabilities among the beneficiaries of Childhope Philippines.
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Partner with Us and Together Let’s Raise Awareness on the Importance of Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected not only Filipinos, but also people across the globe. That’s why as a movement, it’s one of our missions to help Filipinos, especially the street children, to have a better life. We do this by providing projects for the youth such as KalyEskwela, KliniKalye,Street Youth Empowerment Project, and Kalyenderia Mobile Soup Kitchen.
We want you to take part in this goal and join our cause. How? There are two ways you can help: First, you can sign up and be one of ourvolunteers. Second, you can show your support by pledging a donation. Contact us today to learn more about our advocacies.
By Jem Tumbaga | Resource Mobilization and Communications Officer
By Jem Tumbaga | Resource Mobilization and Communication Officer
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