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In mission with the dalits of Hajipur, North India Helping to improve the health of the dalits in India’s Hajipur region is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to others today. In Hajipur, North India, four of our Sisters are in mission among the impoverished dalits. Initially, they conducted a health survey of over 200 families from 10 different hamlets, and found that many of the women were anemic, most of the children under five were malnourished and had worms, and only three of the hamlets had received government assistance with obtaining toilets. Sister Mercy Francis explains, “We began by giving health education on sanitation and hygiene, especially emphasizing the need for toilets. We persuaded people to avail themselves of government aid, and approached the Public Health Department for the same.” A growing number of families are obtaining medicine for worms from our Sisters. Malnourished children, infants, and pregnant women are benefitting from a healthful nutrition powder. “Once the people came to know what its contents were, there was great demand for it,” Sister Mercy says. Our Sisters are delighted that three health workers are being trained, along with health workers from other centers in the Diocese. In addition, 21 self-help groups have been formed. Two of the groups received subsidized bank loans for starting small businesses. Sister Mercy shares, “We conducted leadership training for women representing the groups. We also helped two groups to start new bank accounts.” With the help of a generous donor, our Sisters were able to purchase a three-wheel vehicle for their mission work. “This will enable us to have visits to the furthest places more often, and to give more time to people, as compared to our present practice of walking for 50 or 60 minutes.”
On Children’s Day, November 14th, a program was held for 275 children of Hajipur. Women from the self-help groups assured the safe arrival of the children, many of whom had never been to a party before. Sister shares, “All the children were on top of the world as they received packets with goodies. It was a nice sight when a brother and sister would share one packet, and take the second one home.” December 15, 2009
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