The health-care debate is in the news. The Wall Street Journal today featured an article titled “Fence-Sitters Hold Sway in U.S. Health-Care Debate.” President Barak H. Obama’s health-care plan is outside of the scope of this blog about Southern Sudan Humanitarian’s http://www.sudanhelp.org efforts to help the people of southern Sudan. But, I will give you my perspective on one uninsured person’s experience in the United States and contrast that with the lack of health-care for the vast majority of people in southern Sudan.
Health-Care in the USA
I was riding my bicycle down a mountain road on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on July 24, 2009. I had an accident, no doubt my own fault. When I regained consciousness, I was being well cared for in the back of an ambulance. The EMTs asked me my name and date of birth. As I answered them, I noticed my tongue touching my teeth and thought, “Oh, good! I have all of my teeth.” Then I felt this very uncomfortable board under my back and I thought, “This board is hurting my back. That is a good sign!”
The EMTs asked for my insurance information. They needed to know which hospital to take me to. I informed them that I was uninsured and they kept right on treating me. I was not particularly worried about being uninsured. I was alive! I was being well taken care of and I knew that we would get through the expense one way or another.
Health-Care in Southern Sudan
Right after my first few sentences with the EMT, I started to reflect, “They don’t have this kind of health-care in southern Sudan.” I spent three weeks in southern Sudan. I loved the experience. I love the people. But you don’t want to need medical treatment in southern Sudan.
The vast majority of the people don’t even have clean water and sanitation. The woman in the picture had her child die of cholera a few hours before this picture was taken. Cholera can be prevented with clean water and sanitation.
You and I can help!
Claron
This picture tears my heart out every time I see it. I can only imagine what is going through this womans mind. I don’t think that I am aware of how blessed we are to have access to quality healthcare for ourselves and our children in the US. I can’t imagine lossing one of my children, especially to a completelly avoidable disease. I really hope that the work of Southern Sudan Humanitarian can make a difference to people like this woman, and prevent further unnecessary pain and suffering.