A quick summary of where the group is at to date.
The placement here is/has gone quite well. We completed assessment of 105/120 homes in the Military Centre, the other 15 were either un-occupied or un-allocated as yet. Generally pretty health people, varying range of living conditions in the Centre, but no one really bad like last year (from all reports). We have decided on donations towards the housing element - seeds for crops to all; mosquito nets,
soaps, toothbrushes as deemed necessary via assessment, water pumps (approx. 20) locations to be finalised; a mattress and pillow for one particular resident with identified high need due to clinical condition.
The school sessions went very well and seemed to be gratefully and enthusiastically accepted by the adult and child participants. Adult sessions ranged from basic hygiene, first aid, oral hygiene, mens health issues and womens health issues (which by all reports went very well). Class numbers anywhere from 8 - 27 on a given day. The kids were taught a range of appropriate topics from the adult list, as well as some basic english literacy and numeracy, as well as just having a good fun time with the students! Donations to the school primarily 2 shade areas at the end of each school building for covered play. I think particular mention goes to our students who
performed exceptionally well considering they have never a) taught before and b) been taught how to teach!
Effectiveness of the clinic time varied a little. Patient throughput was quiet initially, but seemed to get busier as we have been there. Maybe the word is out and we have had a small positive impact!? Students worked at setting up a medical records filing system for use with patients from both the Centre and the surrounding villages. They also worked in triaging patients and also incorporated a range of basic hygiene interventions with patients waiting for review, such as awareness of dehydration (with actual rehydration provided) as well as washing many children. Donations for this area include a wide range of medicines, as well as various medical equipment that was identfied as a need in consultation with clinic staff.
As we finished in the field a little early, we moved from the centre into the first of the surrounding villages. We assessed 60 homes (138 exist in the village) with approximately 200+ residents (my estimate). As you may know, anywhere from 2 - 10 people in a house! We only conducted health assessments on residents that identfied themselves as being unwell, and referred 17 to the clinic for further follow up. We are going back to this village on Monday to donate 2 mosquito nets to every household.
Overall the students have continued to display a positive approach, and have shown the ability to be flexible and adapt to necessary changes at short notice. Apart from a couple of minor hiccups there have been no issues to date. A few minor medical issues have arisen along the way, but really just the usual range of upset bellies here and there. All are starting to wind up for the trip home.
Adam Burston
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