When you seek out healthcare for yourself or your loved ones, are you more likely to choose a run down-looking practice, or a nice, clean, and freshly painted clinic?
Of course, you would choose the nicer looking clinic. This is true for refugees, too – they’re not eager to invest their limited resources in a place that looks run down. In fact, they might choose not to seek any professional healthcare at all.
There’s a health center in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement that is in the most remote area of the camp. But it could use a renovation. The paint is chipping from the walls, it looks almost abandoned. From our work at other health centers at the camp, we know what a different just a fresh coat of paint can make. So, we thought, we not do the same here?
Our team grabbed buckets of paint and some basic tools and went to work. They cleaned the walls and floors, they applied a fresh coat of paint, and we set about fixing the ceiling. It was a group effort – the medical team and the village health volunteers pitched in, too.
Giving the health center a face lift won’t change everything– but it’s a first step. Our nurses and patients will feel a bit of comfort, knowing that their surroundings are clean, are fresh. It’s a way to lift their spirits. And to show patients that yes, our doors are open.
