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Dear members, dear friends, and supporters of Mabuhay!
On August 9th, we arrived safely back in Bugko, and there was a lot to organize immediately, as we were expecting our dentists. On August 15th, Paula D. and Camilla L. from the University of Leipzig and Maimouna D. and Meike S. from the University of Münster arrived. They had just successfully passed their exams and now wanted to gain more practical experience.
Unfortunately, after the long break, there were still a few problems to solve. The dental units had to be checked more frequently by the technician due to repeated malfunctions. One day, the air wouldn't work, then no water would come out, or the drill wouldn't turn. Fortunately, several patients were treated, but the condition of some of their teeth was truly alarming. Due to the pandemic, no dental treatments were performed, not only here, but throughout Northern Samar.
We were pleased that another team of dentists followed this team, so that the dental treatments could continue. On September 13, Natalie H., Corinna F., and Markus S. from the University of Ulm came to us. They brought Dr. Gerhart H., also from Ulm, with them for support. Dr. H., with his years of experience, helped the younger colleagues wherever needed, offering tips and advice, so that the four weeks were a very productive time for everyone, and the younger dentists were now able to return home with more experience. The patients felt well looked after and sent even more family members for dental treatment.
On October 14th, Pia B. and Annika W. came to stay with us for a month. Unfortunately, they arrived ill and couldn't start right away. We conducted several dental missions to invite more patients. The two also visited the local elementary school to teach students in grades one through six basic knowledge about good dental and oral hygiene. Many children already knew this from the fluoride program, but it's always good to repeat this instruction, as many people's dental health has suffered greatly following the pandemic. Unfortunately, teeth are still not the primary concern for the population, so much basic work is still needed to raise awareness about dental and oral hygiene.
Dr. Annika K. (University of Mainz) and Dr. Lena B. (Zurich) followed on November 15th. Both had years of experience in dental treatment for young and old, and had also worked abroad in places like Peru and Nepal. After a slow start, the dental clinic filled up day by day, and in the end we couldn't take any more patients. The patients queued up! Word quickly spread about the excellent treatment provided by the two dentists, and patients came from all over the province. Unfortunately, the two could only stay with us for two weeks because work called at home. We very much hope that there will be a second assignment in the future.
As you can see, the second half of the year was marked by visits from dentists. We also received the good news that the German Dental Aid Organization (Dental Aid) had funded a new dental chair for us. Dr. Winter from the organization was immediately willing to fulfill our request, as the old dental unit was no longer fully functional and, after 14 years, spare parts were difficult to come by. At the time you are receiving this letter, we are still awaiting delivery due to ongoing delivery delays following the pandemic. You will see it in the following newsletter.
Our nutrition program for the children continued. This has been a priority for us for years, and given the sharp rise in food prices, the parents are happy that we can continue the program with the help of the German Club in Manila. We always have around 75 children in the program, who meet in small groups for meals. This program includes a hygiene program where the children learn basic hygiene and dental care. The highlight is always the completion of each group, when the children receive their participation certificate.
The senior program has been intensified, and regular events are now held. The most popular are cooking classes, bingo, and morning Zumba. Caritas and Cose regularly visit and assist the young management team with their work, even providing training. We hope to offer lunch next year for those who are home alone.
Then came the good news that we will be converting our X-ray machine to digital. The German Embassy partially funded this. This eliminates the need for X-ray film and developer solutions. During the pandemic, we repeatedly had problems obtaining the materials, and another reason is the environmental impact, as there is still no regulated disposal of the fluids and films here. The machine was delivered on the day I left, and the introduction and training for the X-ray assistants will take place on December 12th. I will also report on this in the following letter.
Once again, it's time to say THANK YOU for your continued support of our ward in Bugko, because without it, we would not be able to maintain it. Thank you also for the many requests for donations in kind that I keep receiving, so that only what is actually needed is sent. In this context, we would also like to thank Franz Meyer, who has sealed hundreds of packages over the years and packed them with his wife, Margaret. Nothing was ever lost, and the boxes always arrived in excellent condition, even after the long journey from Bonn to Bugko. For health reasons, he has now had to give up this work and also resign from his position as treasurer.
We are looking forward to 2023 with optimism, as we are receiving many inquiries from dentists and doctors, and we hope that the clinic, after the difficult years caused by the pandemic, will be running as it once was, and that we can provide professional assistance to the many patients seeking help. We wish you a blessed and merry Christmas!
Your grateful,
Sabine Korth
Malipayon nga Pasko (Merry Christmas) from Bugko!
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