First medical camp of 2025 in the Yenadi encampment

The very first medical camp was held on the 11th of January, 2025. Restoration Humanity and Society for Integrated Rural Development organized the 5th medical camp, the first of the year, that took place at the Yenadi encampment with a total of 56 adults and children making full use of the services.

▲ A list of the 56 people that attended and the variety of health and medical issues that are present in the encampment.

▲ Yenadis of all ages attended the camp. Here is one of the oldest members of the encampment with her daughter.

▲ Ravi from SFIRD seen here interacting with the kids. He is showing them how to greet someone. Education in the encampment includes social aspects and everyday healthy habits.

One of the main objectives during this medical camp was to rule out the presence of human metapneumovirus (hPMV) that causes symptoms similar to a cold. It is understood that hMPV is most commonly spread from person to person from coughing and sneezing or touching objects that have the virus on them. Fortunately, there were no known cases of hPMV found in Naidupet, ... thankful for little blessings!

Majority of the people were treated for cough and cold symptoms. Others presented with skin lesions, especially in their arms and legs. Unfortunately, this is a result of their living conditions and will continue to be a constant struggle until we can find them more sanitary housing. This is something RH and SFIRD are working towards with a great deal of concertedness.

▲ The type of skin lesions that were present at the recent camp.

▲ As seen in the image, the trash is piled right next to the tents after being sorted and waiting for pickup. Living in and on the trash is the main reason for many of the health issues.

▲ Dr. Rama Rao seen here examining one of the children.

▲ Dr. Rama Rao seen here prescribing medication to one of the children.

▲ Supplements and medications for distribution for the adults and children.

▲ Dr. Rama Rao and the SFIRD crew.

As you can see, there is a lot of work to do in and amongst the Yenadis. This is a work that is going to take time. One of the goals Restoration Humanity and SFIRD are working towards this year is to establish a permanent on-site clinic that the Yenadis will have full access to.

As we conclude, here are the smiling faces of the Yenadis, something that is so endearing and memorable, no matter what the situation or circumstance that surrounds them. Their smile gives a glimmer of hope that we can all keep moving forward and do what is needed to make sure the future for these kids is bright.

Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear. — Nelson Mandela

Thank you for being a part of this inspiring journey!

If you would like to know more: more.info@rhlife.org

To donate to Restoration Humanity: www.rhlife.org/donate

Restoration Humanity, Inc. is a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization and donations are tax deductible only in the United States. Non-profit tax ID number: 99-1330084