Malaria Clinic and Emergency Med.

Mr. Dawnga teaching about blood tests for malaria.

Mr. Dawnga continued teaching the students about the malaria clinics he helps to set up (Zo Clinics). Some of the students were not fully convinced that the blood test for malaria was the best way to diagnose malaria. Dawnga used the example that for Christians the Bible is the best diagnostic tool for spiritual health and the blood test is the best diagnostic tool for malaria. He went on to say that the Barefoot Doctors are the bridge between the experts and the common people. It may not be practical for these students to use microscopes in the field but

Student blood smears drying in the sun.

they need to know about it so they can be a good advocate and educator of the villagers.

Rapid Diagnosis Kit for Malaria.

Fortunately, there is a simple test called the “Rapid Diagnosis Kit” for malaria. It just takes a drop of blood and costs about $1.50; the class practiced on one other performing a finger prick. The students learned about 2 types of malaria and how to tell the difference between malaria and other conditions based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. Dr. Cyril emphasized that best thing we can do for disease is to prevent it.

In the Afternoon we answered written questions from the students. There were some great questions and it was really helpful for us to focus in on areas of interest for them.  The questions revealed not only cultural beliefs but also common advice by medical doctors in their area. The class got a comprehensive review of tooth decay, its cause and development into abscesses as well as the spread of infection. They learned that sometimes it is better to remove a tooth than to leave an infected tooth.  After that our ER doctors, Dr. David Brumwell and Cyril Thomas PA, took over the teaching. This is always exciting and interactive for the students as you can see by the pictures. They covered chocking emergencies and protecting the spinal cord after a motorcycle accident. The difficult subject of teaching about the different kinds of germs was also addressed including viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites. It is difficult to grasp the concepts of why certain medicines are used or not used if you do not understand the different types of germs.

Dr. David Brumwell and Cyril Thomas PA teaching.