Provide primary health care for street children

Project Overview

During the period of January to June 2023, the KliniKalye Mobile Health Clinic Project successfully conducted a total of 607 medical consultations, exceeding the midyear target by 107 consultations. This initiative aimed to provide essential medical services and support to vulnerable street children and their families.

A.    Accomplishments

For the period of January to June of 2023, there were six hundred and seven (607) medical consultations under the KliniKalye Mobile Health Clinic Project, which is 107 above the midyear target.More than half of these consultations were already done in-person during area visits. Aside from the scheduled clinics per area, beneficiaries were also able to request for a consultation through their social worker, and were also able to chat directly with the Physician during office hours through the Childhope Philippines Teleconsultations FB page.

During clinics, the patients were provided with the following services:

1. medical consultations and physical examination
2. woundcare (for face-to-face consultations only)
3. complete medicines
4. multivitamins and minerals supplements for at least one month
5. medical supplies for wound care
6. medical counselling

Only seventy four (74), or 12.19%, of the consultations for this period were Well Child consultations. During these consultations, medical counselling revolved around ways to prevent illnesses and injuries, including proper wearing of masks, proper hygiene, and road safety.

Duringthenutritionalstatusmonitoringdoneinthefirst2monthsofthisyear, 87% of the beneficiaries assessed had normal height and 74% had normal BMI.

Fifty(50) beneficiaries were provided additional assistance for:

1. diagnostic procedures
2. dental procedures
3. referrals to hospital /specialist
4. corrective eyeglasses

Lastly, for this period, there were no disabilities and no deaths arising from negligence or delay in providing assistance.

B. Services Beyond the Identified Community

The KliniKalye Mobile Health Clinic provided online and face-to-face medical check-ups to other indigents where Childhope operates. The KliniKalye Physician also provided occupational health services for Childhope’s employees, and supervised medical students from Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health as the Field Preceptor for their online community rotation.

II. LESSONSFROMPROJECTIMPLEMENTATION

A.   Learnings

Health is affected by several factors. In the case of street children, it cuts across issues like children's rights, education, child protection, etc. Therefore, it is important thay we work with different sectors of society to properly addresshealth problems of vulnerable groups. With advocacy and active participation in promoting health with different stakeholders (academe, business, civil society groups, the government itself), we make sure that health is put as a top priority. Likewise, the KliniKalye works for holistic health development of its beneficiaries by working hand-in-hand with the different units under the Street Education and Protection Program to simultaneously address their needs for overall well-being.

B.    OngoingChallenges

Weather Disturbances.In the first months of the year, temperatures were elevated, making it hazardous for Childhope employees to go to the area during certain times of the day.In the later weeks of the first semester, there wereseveral typhoons and heavy rains, resulting in floods, leading to cancellations of area visits, or outright suspension of work.During these times, clinics were reverted to telemedicine.

Minor Difficulties Contacting Patients.Telemedicine was still conducted toenable other patients to undergo consultations and receive medical assistance despite hindrances in attending face-to-face clinics during area visits of the mobile clinic. As in the previous years, there were still minor difficulties in contacting patients, mainly due to poor mobile phone connection of the beneficiaries.To address this, help from parent leaders were solicited during phone calls, so that more patients can undergo check-ups even with only a few mobile phones in the area with good connectivity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support, which has enabled us to make a substantial impact on the health and well-being of underserved communities. Your contributions are instrumental in advancing our mission to provide quality healthcare to those who need it the most.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the KliniKalye Mobile Health Clinic Project.

• Childhope_MHC_Midyear_Report_Jan_to_June_2023.docx (DOCX)

Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic, also known as the KliniKalye, is an integral part of the organization's mission to provide essential medical care and assistance to street children and underserved youth in Metro Manila. The clinic aims to improve the overall health and well-being of these vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention they require. This accomplishment report highlights the clinic's achievements from January to May 2023.

1. Medical Consultations and Assistance:

During the specified period, Childhope Philippines' KliniKalye Mobile Health Clinic conducted a total of 498 medical consultations. These consultations involved assessing the health conditions of street children and underserved youth, providing them with appropriate medical care, and offering essential medicines and medical supplies to alleviate their health concerns.

2. Assisted Referrals:

Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic facilitated 42 assisted referrals, ensuring that street children/ youth received comprehensive care beyond the clinic's capabilities. The breakdown of these referrals is as follows:

• Diagnostic Tests: The clinic assisted 27 street children/ youth in obtaining necessary diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose their health conditions. These tests played a crucial role in guiding further treatment and care.
• Dental Treatment: Three street children/ youth received much-needed dental treatment through the clinic's assistance. Addressing oral health concerns contributes to their overall well-being and quality of life.
•  Specialist/Hospital Consultation: Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic facilitated seven referrals for specialist consultations or hospital visits. By connecting street children/ youth to specialized care, the clinic ensured that their specific health needs were appropriately addressed.
• Emergency Room/Hospital Admission: The clinic successfully assisted one individual in accessing emergency room care or hospital admission when immediate medical attention was required. This prompt response played a vital role in preventing further health complications.
• Eyeglasses: Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic supported four street children/ youth in obtaining eyeglasses, enhancing their vision, and enabling better daily functioning.

3. Permanent Disability due to Negligence or Delayed Assistance:

It is worth noting that Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic successfully prevented any cases of permanent disability due to negligence or delayed assistance. The clinic's commitment to providing timely and effective healthcare services ensured that no street children/ youth experienced lasting disability due to lack of attention or support.

4. Death due to Negligence or Delayed Assistance:

Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic maintained a record of zero deaths resulting from negligence or delayed assistance. Through their proactive approach and dedication to prompt medical care, the clinic played a significant role in preserving the lives of street children and underserved youth in Metro Manila.

Childhope Philippines' KliniKalye or Mobile Health Clinic remains dedicated to its mission of delivering essential medical care and assistance to street children and underserved youth in Metro Manila. The accomplishments from January to May 2023 reflect the clinic's continuous efforts to improve the overall health and well-being of these marginalized individuals. By providing medical consultations, essential medicines, and facilitating assisted referrals, the clinic strives to ensure that no child or youth is left without the care they deserve. The absence of permanent disability or deaths resulting from negligence or delayed assistance demonstrates the clinic's commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its beneficiaries. Childhope Philippines' Mobile Health Clinic will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of street children, helping them lead healthier and more hopeful futures.