January 5, 2012’A Calling’ is written and produced by Fathima Simjee of Helath e-News service
In this first broadcast of Special Assignment for 2012, we bring you the inspiring story of a builder and a taxi-driver who overcame the impossible and dedicated their lives to saving others. Both from villages deep in Kwa-Zulu Natal, they grew up without money, electricity, water and, often, no food. Today, one is a doctor and the other a nurse. We follow their journey to achieve their dreams.
Almost half of South Africa’s population live in rural areas, but are served by 12% of the country’s doctors. Few health professionals are willing to endure the hardships of remote and isolated communities, leaving rural hospitals with staff vacancies of up to 50%. Without proper health-care, maternal and child mortality is on the rise, and the difference in the life expectancy between rich and poor is nearly twenty years.
However, young gifted medical students from poor rural communities are helping to solve the problem. For the past 11 years, the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation in Kwa-Zulu Natal has assisted rural youth become qualified health-care professionals. Research has shown that students from rural areas are more likely to go back home and work in their local hospitals, bringing vital knowledge and services to millions of people otherwise forgotten.
For more information:
Special Assignment office: (011) 714-6757/8
Acting Executive Producer: Busisiwe Ntuli – 083 346 7291
Co-ordinator: Menatalie Van Rooyen – 083 241 7670
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