One hour northeast of Bujumbura, high
in the hills among vast banana plantations, liess Muramvya. We drove
4x4 trucks along potholed dirt roads to mobile health clinics that
provide outreach to the community. Using illustrated poster boards,
IMC community health workers explain critical topics such as malaria
prevention, sanitation and nutrition. Due to the high illiteracy
rate, drawings and face-to-face interaction are the most effective
ways to convey this information. A small mud hut houses a clinic
where people can receive consultation and vaccinations. A line of
brightly dressed mothers and infants extends far along the road;
it will take most of the day for patients to be seen, so everyone
waits patiently.
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