A Trip to a Health Clinic in South Africa's Bulungula District

The boat is launched to cross the Xhora River in Bulungula, South Africa (VOA/D.Taylor)

The ferryman rows the boat across the Xhora River … From left to right are American medical student Sam Partington and Buselwa Senyuko and Bongesi Gashe, who must journey to a distant clinic for medical help. (VOA/D.Taylor)

Buselwa Senyuko [front] and Sam Partington on their way to meet the ferry at the Xhora River (VOA/D. Taylor)

Senyuko, who cannot swim, is overjoyed after crossing the river successfully (VOA/D. Taylor)

Senyuko is coughing up blood, so she holds a cloth in front of her mouth. (VOA/D. Taylor)

On the way to the clinic, Bongesi Gashe picks up numerous empty medicine boxes and bottles that have been discarded by other ill people who’ve visited the health facility (VOA/D.Taylor)

The party of ill people must negotiate rough terrain, including a forest, to get to healthcare. (VOA/D. Taylor)

After walking for two hours, Bongesi Gashe reaches Nkanya Clinic (VOA/D. Taylor)

Gashe waits with a crowd of people to receive medical attention at Nkanya Clinic (VOA/D.Taylor)

Sixteen year old Thembakazi Mdluli waits for a nurse to see her sick infant son.(VOA/D. Taylor)

Therapist Azel de Villiers demonstrates the use of female condoms at Nkanya Clinic (VOA/D. Taylor)

De Villiers distributes female condoms at Nkanya Clinic, despite the items being taboo in the area.(VOA/D. Taylor)