CHALLENGES WORKING IN SEMI ARID AND MARGINALIZED AREAS AS A MEDIC

Working as a medic in a marginalized area like Samburu can be both rewarding and challenging. Samburu, located in northern Kenya, is home to a predominantly pastoralist community facing various social, economic, and health-related difficulties. Here are some insights into the experience of working as a medic in such an area, along with the challenges you might encounter:

Limited resources: Marginalized areas often suffer from inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited resources. Clinics or hospitals in Samburu may lack essential medical supplies, equipment, and medications. This scarcity can hinder the provision of proper healthcare and pose challenges in diagnosing and treating patients effectively.

Language and cultural barriers: Samburu is home to the Samburu people, who have their own distinct culture and language. As a medic, you may face language barriers while communicating with patients and their families. Understanding local customs and cultural beliefs is crucial to gaining trust and providing appropriate care. It can be a challenge to bridge these gaps and ensure effective communication and understanding.

Geographical isolation: Marginalized areas are often geographically isolated and remote. Samburu is no exception, with limited access to transportation and infrastructure. This isolation can delay medical interventions, emergency evacuations, and the arrival of necessary medical supplies. As a medic, you may have to navigate difficult terrains and endure long travel times to reach patients in need.

High disease burden: Marginalized areas frequently experience a high burden of infectious diseases and conditions related to poor sanitation and hygiene. In Samburu, malaria, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, and vaccine-preventable illnesses are prevalent. Dealing with a high number of patients with these conditions can be emotionally challenging and demanding.

Limited healthcare awareness: Marginalized communities often have limited access to healthcare education and information. Health literacy levels may be low, and people may rely on traditional healing practices instead of seeking modern medical help. Educating the community about preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of healthcare can be a significant challenge.

Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, limited economic opportunities, and lack of access to education contribute to the healthcare challenges in marginalized areas like Samburu. Patients may struggle to afford medical care, medications, or transportation to healthcare facilities. Addressing the socioeconomic factors that affect health outcomes can be complex and require a holistic approach beyond direct medical interventions.

Despite these challenges, working as a medic in a marginalized area like Samburu can also be immensely rewarding. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives, often serving those who need healthcare the most. Building relationships with the community, witnessing their resilience, and making a tangible difference in their well-being can be deeply fulfilling.

To work effectively in such an environment, it is crucial to adapt to the local context, collaborate with local healthcare providers and community leaders, and advocate for improved healthcare services and resources. Developing cultural sensitivity, maintaining resilience, and continuously updating your medical knowledge are essential aspects of working in marginalized areas.

Remember, while this essay provides an overview of the challenges you might face, it is essential to conduct further research and connect with professionals who have experience working in Samburu or similar marginalized areas to gain a comprehensive understanding

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MY EXPERIENCE AS AN ATTACHEE IN A RESEARCH INSTITUTION

I still remember the day when the news of an Influenza virus outbreak hit the research institution I was working at in Kenya. Panic ensued, as everyone was afraid of contracting the virus and spreading it to their loved ones. Well that was everyone except me because I was and still am living alone and would not therefore pose a huge risk to anyone except for myself. As a research attaché in the immunology department, I knew that I had to remain calm and focused in order to continue with my work, while also taking necessary precautions to protect myself and the people who may come around me.

The first thing that struck me was how frightening quiet the normally bustling institution had become. Since Covid-19 hit most people were working from home (non-researchers or researchers who were workingon non-practical tasks), while others had taken time off to take care of their families. Those of us who remained at the institution had to follow strict guidelines to minimize the risk of infection. We had to wear masks at all times, practice good hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance from others because at this time there were speculations that this could be another wave of Covid-19. But you know as an attaché as the street saying goes……. ‘This was my time to shine’ and show the entire team and supervisors how I could perform the task well than the rest. Don’t get me wrong though, it was not in a bad way. I wanted to make sure that I would be in the team that would probably bring a solution to the ongoing outbreak. This would be a vaccine. As a young profession I would have hit the jackpot as the gamblers call it.

I found myself excited to be working on a project that could potentially help combat the virus. Our team was working on developing a vaccine that could provide long-term protection against not just the current strain, but future strains as well. We worked tirelessly, conducting experiments and analyzing data, while also collaborating with researchers from around the country and the world at large. We all shared a common goal: to find a solution to this crisis. Even though we were working under extraordinary circumstances, I found myself more motivated than ever before. Every day was a new challenge, but we were determined to rise to the occasion. Mornings were something I always looked up to. A new day to combat Influenza.

However, despite my best efforts, I ended up contracting the disease. It started with a fever, then a flu, a cough, headache and muscle aches. I had to take time off from work to recover, but even then, I couldn't stop thinking about the impact that Influenza had on Kenya. Everyone had a flu!!

As time passed, the situation slowly started to improve. The number of cases decreased, and eventually, life returned to some semblance of normalcy. Looking back on those months, I realize how fortunate I was to have access to healthcare and support from my colleagues. It was a difficult and trying time, but I learned that even in the face of adversity, we can come together and accomplish great things. I you are wondering at this point I had to go back to school. Thanks for reading.

 

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The experience of working in ICU

 As an intern working in the ICU at SCRH, I had seen a lot of things that most people couldn't even imagine. Every day was a struggle to keep my emotions in check as I watched patients fight for their lives, often with little hope of recovery. It was a difficult job, and it took a toll on me both mentally and physically.

One particular day, I was assigned to care for a patient who had been in a car accident and suffered multiple injuries, including severe head trauma. As soon as I walked into the room, I could tell that this was going to be a tough case. The patient was hooked up to a ventilator, and his vital signs were unstable.

Over the course of the next few hours, I worked tirelessly together with senior resident nurse to keep the patient stable, adjusting medications, monitoring his breathing, and keeping a watchful eye on his vital signs. But despite my efforts, his condition continued to deteriorate. I could see the pain in his family's eyes as they sat by his bedside, holding his hand and praying for a miracle.

As the night wore on, I grew more and more tired. The constant beeping of monitors and the sight of so many sick and suffering patients weighed heavily on me. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, and there was no end in sight.

The next morning, I arrived back at the hospital feeling drained and defeated. As I walked down the hallway towards the ICU, I noticed a group of nurses gathered around a computer screen, their faces solemn. I knew before they even spoke that something terrible had happened.

One of the patients I had been caring for the day before had passed away. It was a devastating blow, and I felt like I had failed. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't save him.

Over the next few weeks, I struggled to come to terms with what had happened. I questioned whether I was cut out for this line of work, whether I had the emotional fortitude to continue caring for patients in their darkest hours. The depression and anxiety that had always lingered in the back of my mind seemed to be taking over, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of hopelessness.

But slowly, something began to change. I started to see the small victories amidst the overwhelming losses. A patient who had been on a ventilator for weeks finally breathing on his own, a family member expressing gratitude for my care, a coworker offering a kind word on a difficult day.

As time passed, I began to find meaning in my work again. I reminded myself that even when I couldn't save a patient's life, I could still make a difference in their final moments, providing comfort and support to them and their loved ones. It was a small thing, but it was something.

Working in the ICU at SCRH was never going to be an easy job, but it was one that I had chosen for a reason. I wanted to help people, to make a difference in their lives. And even though there were moments when the depression and sadness threatened to overwhelm me, I knew that I was doing something important. I was making a difference, one patient at a time.

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IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS(STEM) SUBJECTS

 

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have become essential fields in the current world, where technology has advanced rapidly, and new innovations are emerging every day. The demand for STEM-related jobs has increased in recent years, and the importance of these fields cannot be overstated. In this essay, I will discuss why STEM is essential in the current world.

 

Firstly, STEM is essential because it drives innovation and economic growth. The world has witnessed a significant advancement in technology in recent years, which has improved the quality of life and increased productivity. The development of new technologies and innovations has created new jobs and industries, which have contributed to economic growth. STEM-related fields have played a significant role in this development, as they have enabled the creation of new products and services that have improved the lives of people globally.

 

Secondly, STEM is essential in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and health issues. The world is facing significant challenges that require innovative solutions, and STEM fields have the potential to provide these solutions. For instance, climate change is a global issue that requires the development of new technologies to reduce carbon emissions and create a sustainable future. STEM fields such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and green chemistry have the potential to provide solutions to these challenges.

 

Thirdly, STEM is essential in preparing students for the future workforce. The future of work is rapidly changing, and new jobs and industries are emerging. STEM-related fields offer students the skills and knowledge required for the future workforce. The skills learned in STEM fields such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation are essential in the future workforce, where jobs will require individuals to think creatively and adapt to new situations.

 

Finally, STEM is essential in promoting diversity and inclusion. STEM fields have traditionally been male-dominated, and there is a need to encourage more diversity and inclusion in these fields. The development of new technologies and solutions requires a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, and promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields can enable the creation of innovative solutions.

 

In conclusion, STEM is essential in the current world because it drives innovation and economic growth, addresses global challenges, prepares students for the future workforce, and promotes diversity and inclusion. The importance of STEM fields cannot be overstated, and there is a need to encourage more students to pursue careers in these fields. Governments and institutions should invest in STEM education and research to promote innovation and create a better future for all

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