Guelph doctor's Bracelet of Hope mobile clinic at work in remote African villages (5 photos)

NEWS RELEASE

BRACELET OF HOPE CAMPAIGN

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The first Bracelet of Hope mobile medical clinic rolled out to the remote mountain villages of the Southern Africa this week. This milestone is thanks to supporters from Guelph-Wellington and a major gift from people like Danny Lui, pharmacist and owner of Prime Care Pharmacy Arboretum. 

“I’ve been blessed to be able to support philanthropic activates in the Guelph area, but after visiting Bracelet of Hope’s work in Lesotho, Africa, I saw the need to reach patients in the rugged hills this is especially critical as we look into the future with Covid-19,” Lui said. “I decided I’d stretch beyond our front door with this donation. It is an honour to be supporting their first mobile clinic.” 

“We received support from many generous people here in Guelph, Wellington and Kitchener but Danny Lui’s donation pushed us over the top,” said Tracey Curtis, Bracelet of Hope chairperson. “It helped us to jump-start the project. And he’s funding the ongoing costs for the next four years.”

Bracelet of Hope is collaborating with a Swiss-based medical organization. SolidarMed already works in the small African nation focusing on combatting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malnutrition among children, and improving health care in rural areas. “We found a highly skilled partner in SolidarMed,” said Curtis. “It is much more efficient to collaborate with an existing organization.” 

Ms. Curtis and fellow board member and local businessman Gord Riddle travelled to the launch this past week, covering their own expenses.  Mr. Riddle also contributed significantly to the project. The launch ceremony held in the town of Butha Buthe, was also attended by a host of district authorities. These included traditional village chiefs, health and political officials as well as Dr. Josephine Muhairwe, Country Director for Medical partner in Lesotho, SolidarMed. Initial funding for the mobile clinic is $90,000 with operating costs of about $20,000 per year. 

“We are at a pivotal moment, and the new mobile clinics help fulfill my vision for fighting HIV/AIDS in Lesotho,” says Guelph doctor and Bracelet of Hope founder Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik. “It is also part of our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.  I know the community in Lesotho is grateful for the support of Guelph and Prime Care Pharmacy, for their ongoing support for rural, mobile healthcare, supporting families and children.”

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