Lessons Learned in Africa
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 3:58 AM
Prince George, B.C. – For 4th year Health Sciences studies student at UNBC, it was a “life changing” experience.Alexandra Dickson of Burns Lake, is just back from a 6 week trip to Kenya where she helped provide medical relief to underprivileged children.
( at right, Dickson poses with Kisumo staff photo courtesy UNBC)
During her time at the Outpatient Therapeutic Program at the Kisumo Medical Education Trust, she screened and treated malnourished children, some as young as 6 months.
She was also involved in developing a program to overcome developmental delay, which is common among children suffering from malnutrition. “It was truly an unforgettable experience,” says Dickson
The experience has given her insight into how cultures can differ and she is strongly considering becoming a doctor in Northern BC through the Northern Medical program, ““If I become a doctor in Northern BC, this experience will be very valuable in informing the way I deal with health issues. You can’t just throw money at health issues in Africa; you have to confront them in person.”
The Summer School Program included a combination of lectures from Harvard professors and consultants, both from Kenya and the United States, and involved a lot of on-the-ground community involvement in Kenyan communities.
Comments
I read an article recently where they reduced HIV in East Africa by over 80% in most countries with new treatments and expect to eliminate it entirely for the next generation by 2030. Considering the situation there only three years ago I found that an amazing turn of events for them.
Eagleone, I think you must be referring to new cases being reduced by 80%, since once you have HIV it is a life sentence. I have not heard they have a cure for HIV and AIDs, meaning for them to entirely eliminate HIV, those currently infected will be meeting their demise! Really nothing to be proud of in 2030.
However if the new cases are being reduced by 80%, Great.
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