Health Care | Goa Outreach

Hygiene & Health CareA Project of Joy Home For Children

In the begining we started providing health support to slum communities as there was an obvious need as unsanitary conditions plagued these ares as children continually had cuts, burns and scabs from mosquito bites.

To help we provided hygiene ites including soap, toothpaste, shampoo on a monthly basis so they could keep themselves clean more effectively and supported that by attending to cuts, burns and infections as soon as possible to reduce the time to heal and preventing the spread in the community.

Tp boost immune levels we also provided fruit to the children to give them an extra boost of vitamins and health-boosting antioxidants.

As we grew our work learned more towards long term support and education, as such we now provide daily meals at the centre for the children when they finish school and also provide grain/rice and other dry goods during Diwali and Eid as a way of celebrating the Hindu and Muslim festivals.

Health care will always be a major part of the work we do. Street and Slum children often don't have access to running water, soap to wash themselves, toothpaste or brushes to clean their teeth and often leave wounds to fester. Poor living conditions and a lack of knowledge and support exacerbate the problem.

We aim to provide the basics of health care to promote a healthier childhood and will be here to advise, help and provide first aid and hospitalisation if and when required. At present we are providing basic health packs which include Soap, Shampoo Sachets, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes as well as Mosquito Protection (either plug in adapters or coils) each month. While distributing the health packs we have the chance to do a basic health check on the children and see where extra help is required. Common ailments the children are prone to include Scabies, Impetigo, Conjunctivitis and simple Burns and Cuts which, when left untreated become infected and very painful.

We are often the first port of call when a child becomes sick and have been called to the slums in the last year with several Malaria cases, Typhoid, severe skin infections, burns and tooth problems and as well as the common flu which spreads quickly through the slums.

Monthly Health PacksKeeping Clean

Each month we ensure the children have Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste, toothbrush, mosuito protection and monthly pags (for the older girls). This is a huge expense for the charity so we are always happy for donations in kind of Soap, Toothpaste and Monthly pads especially.

First AidProtecting from Infection

Accidents happen, especially in slum environments where broken glass, shards of metal and hot fires are common place.

We support the children by cleaning wounds, dressing them and if required, taking them to the hospital for treatment. Burns are the most common issue needing extended peroids of care, but scabies, impetigo and infected mosquito bites are common too.

Dentist & OpticiansMaking sure the children are looked after

We have had made sure that all the children we help have had their teeth checked, most of the children have been seen at least a few times. With some having majoy repaur work and even braces when required. We also have eye checks occasionally and provide glasses to the students free of cost.

HospitalsIn emergancies we are here to help

Accidents happen, especially in slum environments where broken glass, shards of metal and hot fires are common place.

There have been several hopitalisations, with children having serious burns, snake bites, ruptured appendix and various other issues that we have supported.

Health - Needs ListDonate in kind to provide health care items to the children

Each month we provide Hygiene items to the children and sort out any issues they maybe having. We are always in need of soap, toothpaste and monthly pads for the older girls. Heres a list of useful items to donate.