While HVO works directly with health care providers in developing countries, our mission ultimately aims to improve the lives of patients around the world. With the teaching, training, and professional development opportunities HVO volunteers offer local providers, they are improving the availability and quality of health care for patients around the world – and transforming lives.
In Nicaragua, one volunteer worked with her local colleagues to find hand therapy interventions for patients that would utilize the resources regularly available at the local hospital. Here’s one story from her trip:
The patients we treated in therapy were very grateful. ..One with severe [rheumatoid arthritis] – a lady in her fifties – had swan necks in all fingers…she was having a hard time typing for her job. We made two simple swan neck splints for index fingers in addition to other interventions. She came back for a check before we left – she was able to type effectively without pain and keep her job!!!! Simple, but so effective.
Working with local providers, with the resources they have available, the volunteer saved a woman’s livelihood – not just helping her to feel better and healthier but to perform a job she needs. Her life is transformed thanks to the simple solution found by her health care providers and our volunteer.