The Department of Public Health at the University of Liberia recently concluded a successful one-day medical outreach mission in Nyanvolah Village, situated on the border between Margibi and Bong Counties.
Led by Department Chairman Forkpah Pewee, in collaboration with the Public Health Students Association, the mission aimed to deliver vital health education and services to residents of Nyanvolah and neighboring communities.
During the outreach, students conducted blood pressure and eye screenings, and provided educational sessions on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and malaria.
They also addressed the challenges posed by teenage pregnancy and distributed essential items, including reading glasses (without lenses), over-the-counter (OTC) medications, sanitary pads, and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) peanut butter for children.
This marks the first time that students from the University of Liberia’s Public Health Department have embarked on a medical outreach of this nature. While the department’s students have previously engaged in field assessments, site visits, impact studies, and laboratory work, this initiative offered them a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in the field.
Chairman Pewee expressed his enthusiasm for the mission, noting the positive engagement and dedication of the participating students. He emphasized the importance of such practical experiences in preparing students for real-world public health challenges.
“The Medical Mission Outreach was a great success today. We hope to establish this as a departmental event in the next academic year, involving all faculty members,” Pewee shared with reporters.
He also revealed plans to expand the mission to other regions and potentially to neighboring countries, on a semester-by-semester basis.
“This was a pilot mission, and it was very successful. The villagers were extremely appreciative of the reading glasses, condoms, sanitary pads, OTC medications, RUTF peanut butter, ORS, blood pressure screenings, and health education on STDs, malaria, and teenage pregnancy,” Pewee added.
The residents of Nyanvolah expressed deep gratitude for the medical services and health education provided by the students and instructors.
Ma Weedor Sackie, a local resident, highlighted the impact of the education on malaria prevention, blood pressure management, and STDs, which she said has empowered them to take better care of their health.
She commended the University of Liberia’s Public Health Department for directly addressing the needs of their community through this initiative.
Town Chief Moses Monpolu also expressed his appreciation, noting that the community had been eagerly awaiting such an outreach. He committed to reminding the villagers to follow the health tips provided during the mission, which he believes will enhance their quality of life.
Public Health Students Association President, Anthony Saah Bonkie, expressed his excitement about the new direction the department is taking. He believes that the medical outreach will significantly enhance the practical knowledge and skills of public health students at the University of Liberia.
Bonkie also extended his gratitude to the partners who supported the mission by providing necessary supplies.
This historic medical outreach has set a new standard for future programs by the University of Liberia’s Public Health Department, as it aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in public health.
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