The simple life is not without drawbacks, however, and the Yagnobi are faced with minimal access to the outside world, including doctors or teachers. In one instance we saw a dying child who had no way of getting to a hospital. Every traveler we met on the path also asked advice on how to treat his or her relative's illness. The majority of their illnesses would be easily treatable in the modern world but devoid of medical care, are life-threatening in such remote areas. Our team distributed all of the common medications we typically carry on our expeditions.
While the Yagnobi people worry about their illnesses, they are more concerned for their children who have nowhere to get an education. Although there are some teachers in several villages, children cannot walk the necessary distance every day. Even if they do, the schools are deprived of basic necessities. We asked one teacher how we could help his school. He modestly asked for a bookcase, unable to imagine anything bigger!