How has this project assisted your studies and personal development?
given me a good insight into searching for a location for my medical elective.
We were able to spend a day in Maseno University and Hospital, which was fascinating to compare the differences in entering university, and its accessibility despite a very similar course structure for medicine. The district hospital had far fewer facilities than even some general practitioner surgeries but the staff were committed and worked diligently for each patient. This was especially evident in the maternity ward, which was not able to provide Caesarean sections for HIV/ AIDS mothers or any pain relief during childbirth, but they had managed to provide specific anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for HIV/AIDS mothers and their neonates, as well as being highly skilled in assisting natural birth. However, even the toilets did not have sinks and the X-ray machine had been broken for over two years. It was interesting to talk to the doctors about the health problems faced in Kenya, especially those of access to health care and medication. There are many small remote villages and giving a patient a course of medication can be difficult, as tablets are often seen as a cure, rather than something ongoing to manage symptoms and progress of the disease. There is also a divide between infectious diseases, which are more prevalent in poorer communities but the treatment is supported by foreign aid and is available to all, and the rising trend of ‘lifestyle’ diseases in Kenya such as diabetes or high blood pressure, as there are far fewer facilities to treat the latter. It was fascinating to compare the health systems and care (such as procedures and medication) between Kenya and the UK, as well as the demographics of diseases. It has
In HOVIC, it was a brilliant opportunity to talk to the nurses about the difficulties regarding children’s health and those of the street children. I found it fascinating to learn about the management of malaria and HIV/AIDS, as well as parasites and infections, especially as they are in such a close community. I learnt a lot about the management of drug abuse and weaning the boys, extremely effectively, from their addictions as well as the social problems and stigma of being labelled a street child, not to mention the impact of this on their own childhood and wellbeing. However it was very uplifting to see how caring the staff were and how effective these programmes are. Concerning personal development, I learnt a lot more about Swahili culture and therefore to be respectful of other cultures, as well as different styles of communication depending on their level of Swahili or English (I learnt Swahili in preparation for my trip). It was a fantastic opportunity to build up my confidence in teaching others about medicine, and also in working as part of a group and supporting others when situations were very difficult to deal with. I was also able to improve my listening, organisational and leadership skills. ~~~ I am extremely grateful for the funding that gave me this opportunity to visit Kenya and support such a worthwhile charity. 53