Medical Caravan, Chekereni

Me after a long day at the caravan. I am using my scarf to protect my hair from all the dust on the road!

Some kids outside the caravan who just wanted to play! They loved having their picture taken and seeing themselves on the camera.

Aliya and I waiting for our next patient.

Patients lined up to see the medical students and doctors. They formed the line after having their weight and blood pressure taken by some volunteers. At the back right of this picture, a woman is collecting her medication from the temporary pharmacy that we set up. All of the medication was given free of charge.

This is the building that we used for the caravan. There were a few seperate rooms that we could use as examination rooms, a pharmacy, and a counselling room. The space worked great for what we needed.

Everyone chatting outside of our bus in Chekereni.

This is the bus full of all the volunteers on our way to Chekereni, where the caravan was located.

Hi Again!

I wanted to post another update from our weekend in Moshi. This past weekend we headed back to Moshi from Kilema, in order to take part in a Medical Caravan organized by Pamoja Tunaweza and Dr. Yeates (the physician from Kingston). Dr. Yeates was here for the caravan (and about one week before that), and her goal for organizing this was for all of the medical students to get exposed to what a Medical Caravan is, and provide medical care to a remote community with limited access. In total, there were about 20 volunteers, and each of us had a different role during the day. All of the medical students (in total there were 6 of us), were responsible for meeting the patients with a translator, and taking a full medical history of their problems. Most of the patients did not complain of a single problem, rather there were multiple problems intertwined with each other that were difficult to sort out. Other volunteers were responsible for taking weight and blood pressure, triaging the patients as they arrived, and ensuring the line kept in order. In total, between all of the medical students, we saw about 55 patients throughout the day.

After taking a full history, we called Dr. Yeates over to discuss the case, the likely diagnosis, and decide on what medication to prescribe for their problems. Patients issues ranged from joint problems, to malaria, to asthma, to complicated patients with both HIV and TB who had an entire different set of problems. We were able to see really interesting medical issues - things we will likely never see again for many years to come (if ever). Dr. Yeates really took the opportunity to teach us about the different cases, so that we can use that knowledge in our later careers. It was so interesting to see how they used their available resources. For instance, one boy who we diagnosed with asthma was given the appropriate puffer medication, however they did not have any aerochambers to use with the puffers. Instead, they fashioned up the aerochamber with a small water bottle, so that he could inhale the medication through that. It was amazing how they could make that contraption out of nothing!

Overall, the caravan was such an awesome experience. We saw great medicine, worked together as a team, and helped a group of people who would otherwise not receive medication or care. They have many caravans planned throughout the year, and they are able to follow-up with these patients after the caravan is complete. They also refer patients to their clinic and the local hospital if their medical needs exceed that of the care provided. Despite the weekend being hectic and crazy (and thus explaining why I was not able to update in Moshi), we all had an awesome time, and were very appreciative of the experience. Enjoy the pictures!