Projects
April 15, 2021 South Africa – Pulse Oximeters
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[world map] Africa South Africa push-pin South Africa
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Health and Wellness Health and Wellness
GoalThe goal of this project is to detect declining oxygen levels among those with COVID-19 symptoms who are at home, so they can be directed to medical care in time to save their lives.
SummaryThis project seeks to raise $40,600 in order to train and equip local leaders for the rapid deployment of pulse oximeters to hundreds of at-risk and afflicted South Africans suffering in the COVID pandemic in 2021.
DescriptionSouth Africa has the highest per capita Coronavirus death rate in the world. Medical missionaries, Drs. Anita and Rick Gutierrez are in the hardest hit province of Kwa Zulu Natal. As patients near death, their families rush them to the hospital only to find that because the patient’s oxygen level is so low, little can be done. A simple pulse oximeter will equip people with the ability to detect the early decline in oxygen levels. While these devices are readily available in the USA, pulse oximeters are less common in South Africa and knowledge on their proper use is low. However, this project will enable the rapid deployment of pulse oximeters among trained local leaders and their social networks to current COVID sufferers. Persons with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 will be targeted for pulse oximetry home monitoring so that early access to health care will be facilitated. This project will provide training on pulse oximeters, its use in Coronavirus infections and answering community questions about the vaccinations. Distribution of the devices and training will be conducted through the large network of Health Builders and agricultural workers already engaged in local mission projects. Distribution will happen among members of Christian churches, Muslim and Hindu families. Anita and Rick say that “It is imperative in the current crisis to extend training to all sectors of society in which we work.” They hope that the rapid promotion of this project will facilitate the purchase of further equipment and supplies as needed. The project total cost is $ 40,600.
Suggested GiftsA gift of $1,100 will provide the AAA batteries needed in the pulse oximeters. A gift of $5,000 will provide printed materials, thumb drives and transportation for medical personnel to execute the entire project. A gift of $10,000 will purchase 1,000 pulse oximeters to preserve life among Coronavirus afflicted South Africans.
Prayer RequestsPray that the sharing of training and equipment during a time of crisis will build goodwill between Christian and non-Christian communities. Pray that the indirect benefits of the project will increase public health education on the utility of vaccinations to stop the spread of the virus.
Managed ByGutierrez, Anita & Rick