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ROMANIA 2026

Our team of three US physicians, one Romanian physician, two US nurses, one US pre-med student, and one spouse assistant held clinics in chapels, schools, and private homes throughout rural Tulcea County. We were supported by Mihai of Sprijin Fara Frontiere, who provided student interpreters, clinic coordination, lodging, and expert navigation through the sometimes narrow and shallow canals of the Danube Delta.

During our first three days we traveled by boat to the villages of Letea, Periprava, and Chilia Veche. Notably, just weeks before our arrival, a Russian drone shot down by Ukraine had exploded into the Danube at Chilia Veche. Residents reported that rattling windows from explosions across the river are not uncommon, though the community appeared remarkably calm.

Letea and Periprava have no resident healthcare providers. It was gratifying to hold our clinic in Letea's newly constructed clinic building, completed since our visit last year. The population of these villages — which declined sharply after the fall of communism — continues to age and shrink. Residents were warmly grateful for medical consultations, diabetes and hypertension screening, and generously opened their homes to us for lodging, many of which lack indoor plumbing. As in prior years, Valentin, a local teacher, served as our invaluable coordinator, guide, and driver.

Returning to our base in Tulcea City, we traveled by van to the villages of Mihai Bravu, Nicolae Bălescu, and Peceneaga.

As in previous missions to Romania and elsewhere, we encountered numerous cases of undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension, as well as many patients with known but poorly controlled conditions. This year we noted a higher-than-usual number of villagers presenting with critically elevated blood pressure and glucose levels. We strongly urged these individuals to seek immediate local follow-up care, as our team's capacity to intervene with medications and other treatments in the field is limited.

Our OTC medication supply allowed us to assist many patients with musculoskeletal pain, allergies, and dermatitis. We continued our emphasis on patient education regarding healthy diet and lifestyle modification.

As always, we encountered cases with suspected cardiovascular disease, possible malignancy, and other conditions requiring further evaluation. For each of these patients we outlined recommended next steps and stressed the importance of pursuing local follow-up care.

We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters who make these missions possible. It is our sincere hope that through early detection, education, and compassionate care we are helping prevent premature death and disability in these underserved communities.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

PHILIPPINES 2026

We saw  500+ patients over 5 ( some partial) days. We had a great team of 2 US doctors, 6 US nurses,1 local pediatrician, and an entire staff of nurses and assistants from Estancia DOH as well as friends and families volunteering to assist us with interpretation, set up, transportation, lunches etc. THANK YOU ALL!
Estancia has a population of @ 60 thousand and up until a month ago had only one DOH physician( they just hired one, and one part time docs). Many of the patients we saw had no insurance and very little money and are dependent on the DOH for their medical needs.
We supplemented the DOH by taking care of many acute health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, musculoskeletal issues , skin and soft tissue problems, hypertension and diabetes. Luckily we only had 4-5 patients that needed to be referred to the local hospital.
We also discovered previously undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension, and suspected cardiovascular disease and unfortunately a few suspected malignancies. With the help of the DOH these patients were referred for follow up care.
All of the equipment, medical supplies and medications we purchased were donated to the DOH.
We look forward to partnering with Estancia DOH again in 2028.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Kenya 2025

These are the highlights from September 6 to September 13 2025: We were fortunate this year to have two OB/GYN MDs!
We did  8 days :providing the following:
-General medical check up
-Gynecological services for acute and chronic issues, IUD placement
-Prostate cancer screening ( PSA)
-Cervical cancer/HPV screening
-Some laboratory services and X rays
-Pharmaceutical services (meds)
-Reading glasses
-Dental services
.Everyone was offered dewormer meds and some parents took some for other children at their homes.(over 4600 doses provided)
 join our team! Thanks to Sam, Margaret and Rispah for doing all the “behind scenes” preparation and coordination!
- 9/6th (Saturday) We attended a charity event at Mathare slums, collaborating with The Ris Foundation interacting with over 60 young mums. We gave them:
- Motivational talks
- Clothing for their young ones
- “Crocs “( made in Kenya)
- Sanitary pads for 3 months
- KES 500 each
- Snacks and tea
- 9/7th (Sunday)_: We traveled north for our first medical camp, at Weru secondary school in Nyandarwa: The camp was organized by an ENT MD from Nairobi
- 5 Unimedlink doctors divided themselves according to their profession( OB/GYN, Cardiology, Internal Medicine) while local providers included Family practice, ENT, TB screening, pharmacy consultation
- We provided medications for DM, Htn, infectious diseases analgesics.
- We donated reading glasses to as many patients as we could, who appreciated the quality and enjoyed them
- We saw more than 300 patients until the rains interrupted
- 9/8:(Monday)_: We visited Bishop Louis Ngarenaro and Kagondo Primary Schools, coordinating with the Ris Foundation donating:
- Crocs
-Reading glasses (260)
- Pens
- Sanitary pads
- Soccer balls ( donated by Sac Republic FC)
- Textbooks
- Dewormer medication for staff and students
- 9/9:(Tuesday)_: We traveled east to Nyeri county, Mukurweini Hospital, where we conducted a successful medical camp in conjunction with the hospital
- Dewormed patients
-Dental work
- Donated reading glasses to many patients(300)
- Saw 501 patients including general medical and GYN patients. For this camp we had access for some labs and X-rays and we provided some medications at no cost.
- 9/10th (Wednesday)_: We visited Gachiriro Primary School, Maganjo Primary School, and Gathukimundu Primary School, providing:
- Crocs
-Dewormer meds for staff and students
- Goodies for the kids
- Pens
- Soccer balls
- Sanitary pads
- Reaching a total of 1339 pupils
9:11th-12th (Thursday-Friday)_: We returned to our Nairobi hotels and conducted 2 days of medical camp with collaboration with Lari Hospital in Kiambu county, doing excellent work, seeing more than 500 patients, donating reading glasses(365), and providing dental work to about 65 patients.Some local Psychiatry providers spoke with our “captive “patients in the outdoor waiting area about addiction and offered follow up and treatment. At all camps patients were screened for HTN and Diabetes and at 3 of our camps cervical CA , HPV, and prostate CA( PSA test) screening.
- 9/13th (Saturday)_: With our team reduced due to logistical issues we visited a church near Limuru and conducted a medical camp, donating reading glasses to many patients, and seeing over 200 general medical patients and also providing over 200 glasses and dewormers meds to everyone.
A huge thank you to all who gave donations, dedicated their time and services for making these events possible.
Asante Sana

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Kenya 2024

We held two medical camps at two locations for a total of five busy days. Our first camp was at Giathieko, where we utilized the Holy Family Catholic Church grounds after a sudden countywide decree prevented us from using the primary school grounds as planned. Our gracious hosts provided us with a building and set up chairs and tents. We were entertained by school children singing health-themed songs. Local officials from the Department of Health, the pastor, and the mayor participated in the opening ceremonies ¹.
Over two days, we accommodated approximately 830 patients, providing screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and general medical consultations. A dentist and ophthalmologist attended to other patients, while ancillary staff provided vaccinations, deworming, testing, and counseling for HIV and TB, as well as medication distribution.
September 19 though 21 we had medical camp at ACK St Andrews church in Kangoya.
Local volunteers really stepped up to the plate for patient registration, screening tests, counseling, health and wellness education. Eye and dental services were again provided and a county mobile clinic van performed cervical cancer and HPV screening, breast exams and women’s health consultations.
On our second day we were notified the nearby Kiambu level 5 hospital nurses were on strike( due to no pay from the government for three months) and we saw an influx of patients. Happily we were assisted all three days by physicians, clinical officers and nurses otherwise we would not have been able to accommodate all of the patients( @ 1000 over the three days). Many thanks to our US team of 3 doctors, 3 nurses, 2 ancillary staff.
At the end of the last day we had a closing ceremony where each of the many volunteers were presented with a certificate of appreciation.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Romania 2024

We had a great group including 3 internists, one Pediatrician(YAY!), 3 RNs, and 3 assistants from the US accompanied by a lovely contingent of Romanian translators/drivers/helpers. As in the past, we coordinated with Sprijin Fara Frontiere who provide underserved and remote villagers with clothing, food, home repairs etc. This year on day two, we split our teams, one going south of Tulcea to Sinoe and the other traveling by boat to remote Chila Vechie, across the Danube from Ukraine. The boat trip shaved hours off the trip on the convoluted washboard sometimes muddy route we have used previously. Our last clinic day, the entire contingent travelled by boats to the more distant villages of Letea and Periprava.
There is no clinic or medical care of any kind in these locations. Those that have the means make an all day, costly journey to Tulcea to see a doctor, visit a pharmacy, or go to a lab.
What did we do? We of course offered lots of advice about diet, smoking, and alcohol use. We demonstrated stretching, sleeping position, and body mechanics. We utilized our supply of mostly OTC medications, reading eyeglasses, and other odds and ends. Most importantly , we screened and found new diabetics and hypertensives and discussed other known but poorly controlled conditions. Patients were educated about the importance of compliance with their medications. Worrisome concerns for malignancy, angina, and TIAs were evaluated and for these , despite the economic burden, we recommended patients make the journey to the city for evaluation. We have noticed a certain distrust of the medical system by some. We heard of patients afraid to question there doctor, doctors asking for additional payments on the side and some refusal of care. Having said that we also saw patients with fairly extensive records and receiving cardiac caths and stents, orthopedic and spine surgeries, appropriate medical regimens.
Take a look at the photos and captions for more.
Remember- we are a small self supported group of volunteers. We depend on small donations from YOU for our ground transportation needs, reading glasses. and supplies such as glucose test strips and OTC meds. Thank you for your contribution!

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Philippines 2024

We held very successful medical clinics in Estancia seeing 600 patients overv4 days. Our fantastic US crew partnered with local public health nurses, teachers, friends and family, and on one day a pediatrician. The support we received was amazing. We identified new cases of hypertension, diabetes, suspected angina and lots of other issues. Some patients are non compliant with medications due to financial hardship while others needed education on the importance of taking medications and adhering to a diet.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Kenya 2023

We had a successful trip despite a few beurocratic issues. Our planned 1st clinic day at Kamuchege was cancelled at the last minute by the county governor. So went to Kamahia primary school and pitched in painting classrooms with paint and supplies we previously purchased. This is one of the schools we paid to have latrines refurbished earlier this year

Next we did a long drive northeast to a girls school at Yatta with a really great headmaster. It's a dry windy dusty area and most of the issues were related to the environment. We did educate the clinical officer about overuse of ophthalmic antibiotics and steroids.
Drove nearly as far the next day to another school very fancy per Kenya standards. Even a school bus and a single bus garage! We were joined by four wonderful 3rd year medical students from Kenyatta University and a different group of four day two.For our last clinic day we traveled far north to Nyahururu. We partnered with an all inclusive clinic( medicine, dental, optometry etc) Equity Afia. I'll admit I was apprehensive as in past twelve worked out of rudimentary govt clinics but as promised this clinic for this day offered all of there services free of charge as a community outreach program. We had full access to lab, imaging, even consults with a nutritionist. We had all 8 of our medical students rotating between us, triage, other departments.The patients were grateful and there was even a follow up community thank you letter sent! Well worth the long drive!

 

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Romania 2022

We had another successful trip to Tulcea visiting some of the same villages as last year as well as adding some new ones. Once again, we partnered with Sprijin Fara Frontiere who not only continue their work helping poor Romanian communities but now are also assisting Ukrainian refugees and are assisting other groups getting supplies into Ukraine.

Our first day was a clinic at Chilie Viche, a remote, multi-hour journey on unpaved roads just across the Danube from Ukraine where we saw 65 patients. The people were so grateful! We identified many undiagnosed diabetics and gave advice to patients with poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension as well as a variety of other conditions. Our partners will be assisting them with getting medications and follow-up going forward. We then had a day in Tulcia proper where we saw Ukrainian refugees being assisted by Sprinjin Fàrà Frontiere and subsequent days had pop-up clinics in Nicolae Balcescu, Sinoe, and Nifon which are villages we had visited last year.

We had amazing help from a third-year Romanian medical student, a recent Romanian medical school graduate, a recent Romanian Biomedical engineer graduate and a 3rd year neurosurgery resident from Moldova as well as other non-medical volunteers.
The last days included a clinic in Peceneaga, at a private home we used last year. The wonderful owners not only allowed us use of their home but gave us a feast afterwards! Finally, we saw just a few patients using a home we had not visited before, at Dunavatu de Sus, close to a bay connecting to the Black Sea.

Our plan is to return to Romania in April 2023.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Romania 2021

We had 5 medical clinics in 4 days in the villages of Pecenaega, Nicolae Balcescu, Nifon, and Sinoe of eastern Romania. We also visited 8 homebound patients! Our patients presented with numerous cases of uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension, a variety of acute and subacute injuries, skin, ear and eye problems. The majority of the villagers were not vaccinated for Covid 19, by choice rather than an issue of access. As we have done in Kenya, we also provided reading eyeglasses to all in need.

Our gracious hosts, Mihai and Magda Pungila of Sprijin Fara Frontiere, made sure to follow up, purchasing and delivering medications to selected patients the day following our clinics. They also provided us with a wonderful group of assistants/translators including two excellent, new medical school graduates. We look forward to working with this group in the future.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

Zanzibar

In 2016 we made a connection with CHaRA, a faith based charitable organization, doing humanitarian work on the semi-autonomous island Zanzibar. They had hoped we could do medical clinics similar to those we do in Kenya. Through CHaRA we connected with ZANA, Zanzibar Nurses Association, and had medical clinics at three remote villages in 2018 and 2019. We also held didactic sessions with student nurses at ZANAs office and supplied them with medical textbooks, notepads, glucometers, and blood pressure cuffs.

by unimedlink@gmail.com

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