The Department of Public Health at the state-run University of Liberia has concluded a day-long medical mission in Nyanvolah Village, located on the border of Margibi and Bong Counties.
The mission, led by Department Chairman Forkpah Pewee and the Public Health Students Association, aimed to provide health education and awareness to residents of Nyanvolah and surrounding towns and villages.
During the mission, students conducted screenings for blood pressure and eye health, and provided education on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and malaria.
Additionally, they addressed the negative impact of teenage pregnancy, distributing reading glasses without lenses, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, sanitary pads, and RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food) peanut butter for children.
This initiative marks the first time students from the University of Liberia’s Public Health Department have embarked on a medical mission of this kind.
However, students have previously been involved in various field assessments, including site visits and impact studies on different diseases, as well as laboratory work.
The medical mission was designed to give students practical experience in the public health sector, particularly benefiting senior students nearing graduation.
Chairman Pewee expressed his excitement about the mission, highlighting the enthusiasm of the participating students.
He emphasized that such practical experiences are essential for preparing students for real-world public health challenges.
“The Medical Mission Outreach was awesome today. We hope to make it a departmental event next academic year, involving all instructors in the process,” Pewee told reporters.
He also mentioned plans to extend the mission to other regions and potentially other countries on a semester basis.
“This was a trial version, which was very successful. The villagers were so happy to have received reading glasses, condoms, sanitary pads, OTC medicines, RUTF peanut butter, ORS, blood pressure screening, and health education on STDs, malaria, and teenage pregnancy,” Pewee added.
The villagers expressed their gratitude for the health education and medical services provided by the students and instructors.
Ma Weedor Sackie, a resident, noted that the education on malaria prevention, blood pressure, and STDs has empowered them to take better care of their health.
Madam Sackie praised the UL Public Health Department for directly targeting their community with this initiative.
Town Chief Moses Monpolu also expressed his appreciation, stating that the villagers had long awaited such an initiative.
He committed to reminding the villagers to practice the health tips provided during the mission, which he believes will improve their quality of life.
Public Health Students Association President, Anthony Saah Bonkie, shared his delight over the new direction the department is taking.
The public health practitioner believes that the medical outreach will significantly enhance the practical knowledge of public health students at the University of Liberia.
Bonkie also thanked the partners who supported the department with supplies for the mission.
The historic medical mission has set a precedent for future outreach programs by the University of Liberia’s Public Health Department, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the public health sector.
