The Vaseline® Healing Project sponsored a medical mission run by Direct Relief and CHEERS, and led by two dermatologists in the Sindhupachowk District of Nepal, not far from the Tibetan border.

The people we met in the foothills of the Himalayas were welcoming and grateful to us.

Many of the people who walked as many as 6 hours to see the doctor were barefoot or in open shoes that offered little protection.

Most of the skin issues we saw were due to the hot, humid weather and lack of sanitation. The care for these conditions is usually straightforward, and can be remedied with simple items like Vaseline® Jelly, Lifebuoy soap and topical medications for specific conditions.

During this 3-day mission, we worked alongside a team of doctors from morning until the last patient was seen.  The mission treated 2,023 patients and 413 in the dermatology room.

A grandfather of 95 years walked 4 hours to get to the clinic. He was incredibly spry. He shared his secret of long life with us, “either don’t live very long… or live strong!”

Words to live by.

Namaste.