SEDA believes in the importance of a
rural health system that is owned and directed by those it serves. Targeting
HIV/AIDS and other diseases affecting Laotians young and old, SEDA is
working to combine the practice of traditional medicine with conventional
medicine to achieve this goal.
Lao Traditional Medicine (Ya
Sa Moun Pai Lao) has a long history and the confidence of many Laotians,
often providing free services for the poor. It is supported by Laos National Policy, and the Swedish
Building International Development Agency has stated that respect for
traditional medicine forms a basis for health sector reforms that are
congruent with perceived local needs. There is, however, a gulf
distinguishing traditional masters who have genuine knowledge supported by a
scientific temperament and those who are simply earning an income from the
suffering of uneducated, poor patients.
Help SEDA bring
traditional medicine into the 21st century.
Building a network of highly
respected traditional practitioners,
SEDA will train them to educate their
patients on the prevention
and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, and
help to upgrade various treatment centers in need, starting with the
non-profit Rehabilitation Treatment Center (RTC) in Vientiane Province.
The
RTC is one of the best traditional treatment
facilities in
Laos.
Committed to providing an affordable service to low-income rural families,
the center relies entirely on donations to function. However,
accessed only by a dirt road and with limited electricity, a lack of
consistently clean water, too few beds, poor facilities and inadequate
staff, the RTC cannot meet the increasing demands of its patients.
The RTC is run by Master Khampuen, now 78, who has devoted the last 10 years to the study
of traditional herbal medicine. The Master is scrupulous
in referring patients that lie
beyond herbal treatment. When he does accept patients for treatment, he
addresses the whole person, placing great emphasis on hygiene, the environment and
the patients’ emotional well-being. He has played an important role in
educating large numbers of individuals on the risks
of various diseases
(including HIV), smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Visit the Global Giving page for
more information and to contribute directly to the Rehabilitation Treatment
Center.
