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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