Two members of staff noted that Kimberley Tong HA 2014 had supported the work of a charity called Selfless in their Elective Aid 2018 programme.  For more information about this, please go to www.selfless.org.uk.  They are a social enterprise, led by young people, with a mission to create effective, innovative, and sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges in healthcare.

We wrote to congratulate Kimberley and asked her for a write up and photographs:
     
Preparatory work
I ran the Southampton ABP Half Marathon to fundraise for the trip to Bangladesh.  I was able to raise over £3,700 for Selfless, a UK charity that aims to provide healthcare access for all in Bangladesh.
 
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, where poverty is deep and widespread.  Due to the huge population, the country faces a huge burden of homelessness, especially when there are only 5 doctors available per 100,000 citizens.
 
Three health camps
With kind donations, we were able to set up three health camps in the rural areas of Bangladesh and serve over 3,000 patients, providing them with primary health care services.  With the help of local doctors, we were able to conduct medical consultations and prescribe appropriate medications.  Most villagers in Bangladesh have never seen a doctor as they simply cannot afford this ‘luxury’ and most children suffer from malnutrition and anaemia due to poverty.  
Baby bundles
We were also able to distribute baby bundles to 30 mothers-to-be.  The baby bundle included iron supplements, mosquito nets, sanitary pads, breastfeeding guidance and the sterilising liquid, chlorhexadine.  New mothers will also receive monthly phone calls and text messages from healthcare professionals, and regular check-ups up to a month after the birth of the baby.
 
Osmani Hospital
We also visited Osmani Hospital, a public hospital in Sylhet.  This hospital has very limited resources and equipment, with a lack of appropriate sanitation.  I have therefore decided to use some of the money raised to donate alcohol hand-washing gels to promote the importance of sanitation in a hospital environment.  I have also decided to donate washable teddy bears to the children that have been admitted into the hospital as they have little entertainment and company.

This trip was such an eye-opening experience and has further confirmed my desire to volunteer for Doctors Without Borders in the future!  I promise to study hard, to continue fighting for #HealthcareAccessForAll and to contribute whenever I can to those that are in need.

Thank you for your inspiration, Kimberley, and a huge well done!