Help Can Come In Many Ways

Everyday, when I first open my eyes, I see the same the same bed that I've been sleeping on, the same pillow that I've been resting my head on, and the same room that I've been sleeping in for the past couple of years. Although it isn't much, I am still grateful for having a place where I can call home. I consider myself to be very fortunate for some people do not possess the kind of luxury that I do. But it is pretty saddening at times, to look at the people of other countries, that are poverty-stricken. At times I feel like landing a hand to them, but in reality I haven't gotten much to give. I am still a student and I've no degree nor diploma yet. My career aspirations however is to become a doctor. I hope that with the help of God, The Almighty, I'll be able to achieve this life-long dream. God-willingly, upon the completion of my studies, I will be rendered the opportunity to serve in a very poor country where its people is in much need of medical attention.

Serving in the sub-Saharan parts of Northern Africa will be my primary choice. My secondary choice will be to serve in Ethiopia for the country is concentrated with many infectious diseases, so named; tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, measles, Epstein-Barr virus, rabies, human immunodeficiency virus(HIV), rubella and mumps. What even more less appealing to the ear is that they've short supply of doctors. This shortage of doctors and medication has caused the mortality rate in Ethiopia to rise to a staggering 30000 per year. This is no small figure. You'll feel even more depressed whence you see a child suffer from this sort of disease. Lack of food, water and vitamins, has made children in the Ethiopian provinces to be more prone towards illness and infectious diseases. The lack of food, water and vitamins is probably the major reason why the immunity level of the citizens of Ethiopia is deteriorating. Luckily, where I live, medical aid can be easily acquired. Most places you go, even to the most remote parts of my country, there is bound to be a clinic or a medical center. The medical fees here are also considered to be adequate for every citizen here regardless whether poor or rich, can still afford. Besides that, the health minister in my country came up with a policy where every student below the age of 18, will be given free tetanus, rubella and bacillus-calmette guerin shots. This is one method which managed to reduce the death tolls in my country.

But its pretty understandable if this policy is not implemented in poorer countries because the Government in those countries which are struck by poverty don't possess a sufficient amount of funding to acquire a large amount of these vaccines. Also, keep in mind that these vaccines aren't cheap. They're actually pretty expensive. For instance, one bottle of tetanus alone costs around about $20, and will give around about 20 shots. So its not really advisable for a country which has a population of around about 81 million people to spend their money on tetanus shots whence they're facing financial problems. But, I believe that this problem will soon subside in the near future for more and more wealthier countries are lending a helping hand to the less fortunate countries. Honestly, I actually find this very appeasing to hear for the prayers of the civilians of all the less wealthy countries have been answered in the form of financial and medical assistance handed over by the more financially superior countries. Also, not to forget manpower in the form of qualified doctors. Hopefully, someday I'd be able to add to the number of doctors that are already serving in those countries which are in need of medically qualified assets.