Updated 2 March 2010
Bilal Muslim Mission Moshi branch has undertaken a venture to medically screen all the children under its umbrella. This commenced on the 6 February 2010, and ended on 12 February 2010.
The screening was conducted by Dr. Mazaher Hassan Jaffer, a medical doctor by profession. A total of 68 people were screened, including male and female Bilal students, students of the SYDP (Shia Youth Development Project), students of the Sayyid-ush-Shuhada school in Moshi, and the teachers of Bilal and SYDP.
The screening included a thorough medical checkup with special attention to the areas where the students had symptoms. Necessary tests were also conducted such as HIV, Blood glucose as deemed necessary according to the medical condition found. In some instances, tests and follow-up investigations were also recommended.
Overview of Results
The 68 people screened included 19 females and 49 males. Only 3 females had no complaints at all, and 17 males were healthy without any complaints. Of the 17, only 4 were from Bilal, the remaining 13 were from SYDP.
|
|
SYDP |
BILAL |
|
HEALTHY |
13 |
7 |
|
SICK (GIVEN TREATMENT) |
7 |
19 |
|
NEED FOLLOW UP
· Eyes
· Gyno
· Dental
· Surgeon
· Chest X Ray
· Echo
· Blood Slide for MPs
· Stool Sample |
5
-
1
1(Chronic tonsilitis)
0
1
2
4 |
4
4
0
1 (Hemorrhoids)
1
0
4
0
|
|
Diagnosis:
· PMS
· Myopia/Visual Acuity probs
· Vaginal Candidiasis
· Tonsilitis
· GIT ailments
· PUD
· Headache(Tension)
· Anemia (Iron Def.)
· Allergic Rhinitis
· URTI(Upper resp tract infection)
· LRTI(Lower resp tract infection)
· Other |
5
0
3
4
1
1
1
1
4
1
3 |
3
4
2
1
6
4
3
8
3
1
3
3 |
The need to test for HIV was found in 5 patients (all of whom consented to be tested), out of which all were found not to have the disease. The tests included those who requested to be tested for the disease as well, if the kits were available.
In general, patient blood pressure, blood sugars, temperatures and other vitals were quite within the normal range, apart from a few cases where disease was detected or suspected according to the results of the medical checkup
From those who were sick, the working diagnosis after the screening were as follows:
General recommendations
It was found that the most common complaints when it came to illness were either related to abdominal illness, respiratory problems or anemia (low hemoglobin levels). In other words, there is a definite need to improve on the diet provided. The students need more green vegetables in their diet (as a source of the blood generating requirements and a roughage as well to improve digestion). Hygiene must be maintained all though out the process of making food, and fruits should also be a regular part of their diet. There is a need to improve the ventilation in the setting so as to reduce the chances of transmission of air borne diseases.
Health and hygiene education is also extremely important. Education of the type of lifestyle that is healthy is necessary to a greater extent than is happening already.
Regular checkups should be conducted in a similar manner to ensure the health of the children is maintained and their problems are addressed on a frequent basis.
Follow up is necessary for quite a few of the children, and the areas that need follow up have been indicated.
HIV testing has been requested by many eager students, and the doctor has also recommended that all those interested should go for free testing to any of the Voluntary Counseling and Testing centers in Moshi.
Specific recommendations have been mentioned in individual reports.