Since I last updated, I have had another wonderful week in Nairobi and have traveled to Mombasa!
I spent the majority of the past week working in the medical clinic. I am settling in well in the clinic and feel like I have a good grasp on the workflow, the scope of practice, and the ways in which I am most helpful day-to-day. I am genuinely enjoying observing and having a role in patient care and have learned so much from the providers already. One patient in particular has stuck with me from this week. On Monday, a man in his late twenties cam in complaining of chest pain without difficulty breathing, body aches and fever, and a generalized feeling of fatigue. He also had decreased oxygen saturation and elevated blood pressure. After a physical examination, the doctor ordered lab work and an abdominal ultrasound. His labs came back showing that he was positive for streptococcal bacteria and most of his symptoms were likely the result of this systemic infection. This diagnosis was particularly interesting to me because strep infections are fairly common throughout the world; most people, even in the US, have had strep throat at least a few times in their life. This was a prime example of how an infection may be easily diagnosed and treated in areas of high health care access but, the same infection can become systemic and life threatening in healthcare deserts like Kibera. This individual, due to his chest pain and concerning vitals, was already experiencing signs of the bacteria damaging his heart muscle. He was prescribed a combination of antibiotics and reported back to the clinic each day throughout the week to receive his medication through an IV injection. With each passing day that we saw him, it became obvious that the treatment was working to address the infection as his vitals and disposition improved.
Other cases this week included a woman diagnosed with esophageal cancer who had a G-tube and needed it to be secured using a few stitches, many instances of pneumonia and gastrointestinal infections, and a pregnant woman being treated for hormone imbalances. All in all, it was another insightful and educational week in the clinic.
On Friday, we deviated from the usual schedule as UCESCO hosted its annual tree planting day of service. The event took place at a school for children with special needs that is striving to become more self-sufficient and has the goal of providing most of their meals from food grown on the farm on campus. There were over 100 attendees from various non-profit organizations and businesses across Nairobi. Together, we cleaned the campus, prepared the field where the trees will grow, and ended the day by planting over 200 fruit trees. While most of the volunteers were working on planting trees, some UCESCO staff hosted a field day of sorts for the students at the school. I got to learn about many environmental NGOs in the area through talking with the other attendees and learned a lot about the environmental struggles Nairobi is currently facing. While this event was a little bit more physically exhausting than my typical day, it was such a rewarding experience to see so many people come together to support the school, UCESCO, and the broader environment.
Finally, yesterday (Saturday), after a slow, lazy morning of reading, I attended a pop-up market at the Nairobi National Museum. The market had booths from many local artists and craftsmen, some food tables, and a second-hand book shop. After strolling through the market, enjoying a donut, and purchasing a few unique finds, I discovered that there is a sprawling botanical garden on the museum property. When I first attended the museum many weeks ago, we did not take the time to explore all the grounds and completely missed the garden. I had a lovely walk through the trees, taking in all the local flora, before heading back home to prepare for my next adventure.
And that brings me to today! I am writing this from the volunteer house in Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal city. I will be here for the next week volunteering with UCESCO’s programs here and am excited to update you all again soon with everything I get into this week!
UCESCO Annual Tree Planting Event! See me in the far right of the photo putting in the work and repping BU!
Market haul! A handmade mug, a painted card, and a pretty old book.
The museum also has a medicinal herb garden and displays many plants that are used in traditional African culture and healthcare.
Would you believe this photo was taken less than 2 km from the city center?! I’m constantly in awe of how green and lush Nairobi is!