Liberia: UL Public Health Department Ends Historic Medical Mission At Bong-Margibi Border

Kakata, Margibi County – The Department of Public Health at the state-run University of Liberia, led by its Chairman and the Public Health Students Association, has concluded a day-long medical mission at Nyanvolah Village, bordering Margibi and Bong Counties.

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By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]

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The mission focused on health education and awareness for villagers in more than three surrounding towns and villages, as well as conducting screenings for blood pressure, eye health, and providing education on sexually transmitted diseases and malaria. Additionally, the students provided education on the negative impact of teenage pregnancy.

During the mission, the team distributed reading glasses without lenses, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, sanitary pads, and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) peanut butter for children, among other items.

This initiative marks the first time that students from the University of Liberia’s Public Health Department have embarked on a medical mission of this nature. Although students have previously engaged in field assessments within the public health sector, including site visits and impact assessments on various diseases, as well as laboratory studies, this mission has added a practical dimension to their studies. This hands-on experience aims to inspire students, particularly those nearing graduation, to gain practical knowledge of the sector.

Forkpah Pewee, Chairman of the Public Health Department, led the mission along with the Public Health Students Association leadership. He expressed excitement over the students’ enthusiasm for the medical mission, noting that it would enable them to gain practical experience in the field rather than just participating in site visits.

Pewee said the mission aligns with international public health education standards, aimed at better preparing students for careers in the public health sector. “The Medical Mission Outreach was awesome today. We hope to make it a departmental initiative next academic year, involving all instructors,” he told FrontPageAfrica. He added that the trial mission would be extended to other areas and conducted on a semester basis.

“This was a trial version, which was very successful. The villagers were so happy to receive reading glasses, condoms, sanitary pads, OTC medicines, RUTF peanut butter, oral rehydration salts (ORS), blood pressure screenings, and health education on STDs, malaria, and teenage pregnancy,” Mr. Pewee stated.

The villagers expressed excitement and gratitude for the health education provided by the students and instructors from the Public Health Department, noting that it was the first initiative of its kind in their area. Ma Weedor Sackie, one of the villagers, said the health education on malaria prevention, blood pressure, and STDs has empowered them to take better care of their health. Madam Sackie lauded the UL Public Health Department for the initiative.

Town Chief Moses Monpolu also expressed gratitude for the medical mission, noting that the villagers had long wished for such an initiative. He pledged to continually remind the villagers to practice the health tips provided.

Meanwhile, Public Health Student Association President Anthony Saah Bonkie expressed his delight that the department is ensuring students gain practical knowledge through medical outreach. Bonkie believes this experience will significantly enhance the knowledge of public health students at the University of Liberia. He also thanked the partners who assisted the department with supplies distributed during the outreach.