Cervical Cancer team in South Pakaraimas.

Using the RAM aircraft, Dr Becky Kightlinger and team visited three communities to educate the public on the new MoH cervical cancer screening and treatment program.

Three children from Masakenari flown to see hearing specialists.

Two brothers Mark and John to receive hearing aids at ages 8 and 14. Thanks in part to the SPAN (Specialized Patient Action Network) data base developed by volunteer Joe Barnett of the UK, the two boys will hear their mother call their name normally for the first time in their lives. Children in remote villages need access to these critical services at a much earlier age. Hearing the teachers voice during class for example is critical to a child's education. 

Total Cow S#*t

Live animals pose multiple risks to the air ambulance bush plane that RAM operates in Guyana. A fresh cow pie was redistributed this afternoon while landing at Paramakatoi with the Women's Health team. We were unable to find a heavy rain storm to take advantage of on the way home to Lethem.

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Cargo Flight

Last Friday morning we departed in the 206 with a healthy load of cervical cancer screening and treatment equipment. The aircraft is the only means in many cases to reach remote villages in Guyana without spending days on foot, canoe or in a jeep. Maximizing the scarce human resources in medical outreach programs is one way the aircraft saves lives and makes a big impact.
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Women's Health Team launches new era in the Mazaruni.

Remote Area Medical has been providing cervical cancer screening and treatment in Guyana since 2003 and in the process has served thousands of women in remote indigenous villages. Together with the Ministry of Health, RAM has detected and treated dozens of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions providing major surgeries and even facilitating radiation therapy.

The Ministry last year adopted new cervical cancer screening and treatment protocols nationwide using VIA and cryotherapy. RAM is excited to be a part of this new initiative and has began educating clients in the Upper Mazaruni where teams have been working in every village since 2007. Pictured here is the team at Imbaimadai as they provide education and clinical services.

The team will fly out of this isolated district on March 18th after they complete the remainder of the expedition by boat.

Marudhi Mining Outreach pics

Special thanks to GGMC for their kind assistance and support in assisting with some serious winching, jacking, and four wheeling.  Also kudos to Vanessa mining company for housing and even feeding the medical team members in the jungle camp. Stay tuned for some stunning video of the treacherous road conditions (even by Guyana Standards) that the team had to battle.

Click here for more pics.  Gold and diamond miners are considered at high risk for contracting HIV and commercial sex workers serving the area are a driving factor as well. This was an initial fact finding mission for the project and follow up visits are being planned.  Eye testing and specticle fitting services were also delivered in a multi-service health care package.