I’m Damien, a registered Paramedic from the UK and a worldwide traveller. I’ve had the privilege to work as a medic in various settings and locations around the world.

Last month I had the humbling experience of volunteering at a rural health clinic in Santa Fe, Leyte, Eastern Visayas, Philippines.

Eastern Visayas is one of the country’s poorer regions, where many communities have limited access to healthcare and medical resources. The region is also particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, having been devastated by one of the most powerful and destructive typhoons in modern history, Typhoon Yolanda (2013).

Despite these challenges, what I witnessed at the clinic were people of pure resilience and perseverance. The doctors, nurses and midwives worked tirelessly to ensure everyone in the community has access to basic medical care.

I personally assisted them as they travelled on foot in the mid-afternoon heat, going door-to-door through rural villages (barangays) to administer childhood vaccinations. Other outreach services included prenatal care, as well as standard patient assessment and treatment.

Diseases such as dengue fever and schistosomiasis are a significant problem in these communities, and without the work of this dedicated team, many people would have limited access to treatment and preventative healthcare.

To that end, and with the power of social media, I thought it would be a great idea to raise some money to purchase basic medical equipment and supplies for the clinic.

Things we would take for granted in the West, such as ECG machines, fetal Dopplers and reliable access to electricity and running water, are not always available at this rural clinic. Despite this, the team simply gets on with the job and provides the best care they can with the resources available to them. Some additional equipment and supplies could make their work considerably easier and more effective.

I’m aiming for a modest £1,200. The clinic has already provided a list of the equipment and supplies they need, and this target should cover it.

The funds will be sent by me to Volunteer for Visayans Inc., who will purchase the equipment on behalf of the clinic. Purchases will be documented with receipts and photographs, and any remaining funds will be used towards additional medical consumables.

Thank you in advance for your support!

*Everyone appearing in pictures have consented to being posted*