ADRA-Bulgaria plans to offer free medical examinations in 15 distant rural settlements and thus to enable the screening for social diseases for over 1500 locals. With the help of young volunteers and doctors with two equipped ambulances, we will enable the essential early diagnosis of osteoporosis, heart diseases, tumors, diabetes, etc. of people with little to no access to medical services.
Bulgaria is the poorest country in the EU with a living standard 5 times lower than the average. The strongly trending urbanization and emigration are leaving the rural regions with fewer and fewer people which has led to poorer social services, infrastructure and lack of adequate medical care. More than 80% of the population die from cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and diabetes. The statistics for osteoporosis are frightening - only 4% have been diagnosed and undergo medical treatment.
We have two fully equipped ambulances including bone-density-measurement-device, ultrasonographer, EKG, pulmonary function, and blood sugar measurement tools. Well trained volunteers and physicians provide the high quality and reliability needed for a successful screening. The early diagnostic is the most important part of the fight against those particular diseases and ADRA plans to give access and a chance also to the distant rural areas of Bulgaria.
The project plans to reach over 1500 people. This, however, is not the only effect of the project. Entire families benefit as well. Early diagnosed patients will most likely choose to follow a healthier lifestyle and will be an influence against the harmful habits of their friends and families. The use of the timely check-ups and the role of prevention will also be promoted during the project and this will be passed on to the children, guaranteeing in long term healthier and responsible society.
