Giving Attention to Physical and Dental Health

The scholarship program is not solemnly educational focused. It’s acknowledged that education alone may not bring the scholars a brighter future – there are other areas that may also have high importance as well. One such area is health.

For many children in developing countries, illness is a top reason for school absence. It does not come as a surprise considering how prone children in poor areas are to diseases, and it may be anything from simple colds to serious pneumonia and TB. Each day a child is absent in school means one more day where they need to catch up with their class mates, and preventive action should be in place to avoid sickness from the start.

As part of the program all scholars receive daily ascorbic acid – or vitamin-C – to ensure that basic vitamin needs are met. The parents may also exchange their parent points into packages consisting of multi-vitamins and additional ascorbic acid for other family members.

But, it does not end there. Each year the scholars undergo a medical check-up to ensure that their health is in good order. They also undergo dental check-ups, and for any physical and dental findings the organization will either provide necessary medicines or refer to free centers for the necessary follow-up.

For the school year 2010 – 2011 the scholars of A MILLION VOICES have been under the care of Vizcarra Diagnostic Center in Manila. The kind hearts of doctors, nurses and a dentist have ensured that the scholars have received the medical and dental attention needed.

In addition to this, the scholars have been followed-up by pediatrician Dra. Abdul – who has devoted of her time and expertise in our office despite great travel distances.

A MILLION VOICES would like to thank Vizcarra Diagnostic Center for attending to the scholars and making their health top priority. Especially involved have been: Dra. Elizabeth Tan-Tin, Dra. Susan Thesalie Simon, Dr. Rally Evangelista, and Dr. JB Pimentel. We would also like to thank pediatrician Dra. Bulong-Adul for her kind assistance and care for the medical well-being of the AMV children.