Medical FAQs

What is dental care like in Belarus?
- Belarus has a socialized dental care system. Unfortunately, access may be limited due to distance, long waits or lack of anesthesia.
- Some dental care is provided at school. Retainers are also provided in some of the bigger cities.
- Private dentists are available for those who can afford it. These private dentists usually offer local anesthesia for approximately $50-$70 a tooth (normal monthly wage is $150/month).
- Many village children and their families will not own a toothbrush. Exposure to radiation, and lack of fluoride in the water, tends to make these children more prone to cavities.

What is medical care like in Belarus?
- Belarus has a socialized dental care system.  Unfortunately, access may be limited due to distance, long waits or lack of anesthesia.
- Some dental care is provided at school. Retainers are also provided in some of the bigger cities.
- Private dentists are available for those who can afford it. These private dentists usually offer local anesthesia for approximately $50-$70 a tooth (normal monthly wage is $150/month).
- Many village children and their families will not own a toothbrush. Exposure to radiation, and lack of fluoride in the water, tends to make these children more prone to cavities.

Do I need to take any special precautions due to their radiation exposure?
Radiation is present in the air, soil and food in Belarus. These amounts vary from place to place and are absorbed on in individual basis. No special precautions are necessary

What communicable diseases do I need to be concerned about?
A child is routinely screened by a doctor in Belarus before traveling (including for lice). Thus, it is very rare that a child comes with an infectious disease. However, if there is any question or a problem, the medical director or local coordinator should be notified.

What procedures, tests or immunizations can be done in the U.S.?
- Starting in 2006, no routine physical exams, labs or x-rays are permitted while the child is in the US.
- Dental exams, fluoride treatments and teeth cleaning are acceptable. Any dental procedures requiring local or general anesthesia are not permitted without consent from the parents (child’s chaperone will arrange this).
- All children should have a dental exam and cleaning during their visit. Host families should ask their dentist if they would be willing to donate this service. If unable to obtain dental care, please notify the area coordinator.
- No immunizations can be given in the U.S. since Belarus has its own schedule and formulations.

What if my child needs medications?
GFA will provide a pharmacy to donate medication or reimburse you for the prescription that your child requires. Please contact your local medical coordinator. Due to costs, generic medications are preferred.

When and how do I use the insurance policy?
- GFA has purchased medical insurance for your hosted child to use in case of emergency or hospitalization. There is a $500 deductible that will be paid by GFA if used.
- You will receive a packet of information and an ID card with the Policy number at your hosted child’s arrival.
- This policy can not be used for dental, vision or routine medical visits.

What do I do in an emergency?
Do not hesitate to call 911 for any life-threatening event or injury occurring to your hosted child. You should notify a GFA Board member as soon as possible. You should also arrange to have the child’s chaperone meet you at the hospital. The interpreter will notify his/her family in Belarus.

When and where do I take my child to the doctor?
-  Just as with your own children, there are some situations that require a doctor visit. Some examples would be:  fever persisting longer than 3 days, a cold lasting longer than 2 weeks, severe sore throat and fever, earache, prolonged diarrhea/vomiting or rash.
- There are doctors available who are willing to see the children free of charge. The names and locations of these health care providers can be obtained from your area coordinator or local medical coordinator.
- Emergency rooms are best for life-threatening emergencies, due to their cost. If possible, use a recommended doctor or clinic.

What if my hosted child gets sick?
- It is normal for children to get sick, especially after stresses such as air travel, sleep deprivation, and new surroundings.
- In most cases, rest, fluids and possibly a pain or fever medication is all that is needed. A good “rule of thumb” is to treat them just as if they were your own child. As a general rule, over-the-counter medications are acceptable to give to your hosted child.
- If you have specific questions, please call your area coordinator or local medical coordinator.

What should we do with medical reports we receive from a medical provider about our guest?
Make a photocopy of any report. Send the copy to GFA Medical Director for inclusion in the child’s GFA medical chart. Send original home with the child. (You may make a copy for yourself, useful if you anticipate hosting the same child next year.)

What if the doctor who examines our guest on GFA Clinic Day makes a referral to another provider/specialist?
You follow through! Ask a local provider to see the child pro bono. (Other host families and GFA Board members may be able to recommend a provider who has served GFA kids previously.) Make the appointment as early in the visit as possible, so that if there is need for more treatment, time is adequate.