Santiago del Estero Province; crossing a ditch to reach Burro Pozo and Majadas
The best humanitarian aid in the world is only as good and effective as its ability to be distributed to where it is most needed. Next to the aid itself, transportation is the next most critical issue facing humanitarian efforts.
Providing on-site dental care. Burro Pozo
Historically, transport has been fraught with problems. In many developing countries, the aid may arrive in a major city, but getting from that point to its ultimate destination can be very difficult.In many remote and isolated areas, there are often very poor roads or no roads at all. Rain can turn a dirt road into a river of mud.
Vehicles break down and there are not always parts or mechanical knowledge readily available.
Salta province; volunteer on horseback with saddlebags.
Sometimes, things disappear. In the redistribution process, they can be sold, lost or stolen.
Transportation matters. We all want to know that our donations get to where they are needed.
On the way.
MotoMedics’ partners are specialized in directly reaching remote and isolated areas to provide health care services and materials. Four-wheel all-terrain vehicles must be used due to poor or nonexistant roads, with the help of a hand-held GPS to reach the communities. Volunteers will ride in on mules, horses, dirt bikes or simply hike in with supplies, if needed.
We know exactly what is needed and where materials are because we deliver them. Transportation is not cheap. Just delivering aid by sea or air to a designated country is not enough. Further, in order to reach the remote final destination trucks (or horses and mules) must be rented and gas for the vehicles must be purchased. This adds significantly to the cost of providing services and materials.
As much as we all want to be part of the “greater good”…someone still has the buy the gas.
Dr. Gerardo Solá arrives on an off-road bike in a forest community.
