COFOA Leaders Bring Medical Services to 200 people in El Calix, El Salvador

In August 2012, COFOA leaders from El Calix in Bajo Lempa, Jiquilisco municipality, Usulutan, held a health fair that provided medical services for 200 people to meet the health needs of the residents of Calix and nearby towns.

After receiving leadership training from COFOA, the Anglican Episcopal Church Christ the King Mission in El Calix joined COFOA. Congregants held one-to-one conversations in six communities, and surveyed 160 people regarding their health needs. Most people indicated that although health care is good in the local Health Unit, it is not enough, because sometimes there is no medicine, and poverty prevents them from using the clinic. There is also a lack of specialized services for prevalent diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, and malnutrition.

New leaders from the Christ the King Mission decided to hold a health fair to meet the immediate health needs in the community, providing medical consultation and free medication to low-income people in the area. Two hundred people were served at the fair, including children, youth, adults, and seniors.

Strong relationships were forged with health ministry officials of the Dept. of Usulutan, and a number of doctors and nurses volunteered their time to provide medical services. Several pharmaceutical laboratories donated medication in response to a request by the Anglican Bishop Martin Barahona.

Leaders are aware that immediate assistance is important, and they are also seeking long-term improvements in the local and national health system. They have planned a series of workshops on health, and are holding research meetings with departmental and national officials to learn more about how the national health system functions. They intend to bring the message to their community that people themselves can improve their own health through education and changes in lifestyle.