I’m writing this as I eat jollof at a restaurant in Accra.
Six weeks went by so fast.
My last week in Kumasi was spent helping the research study
TransMAL. In the mornings, I would head out bright and early to Emena Hospital,
private hospital in the outskirts of Kumasi. We would set up shop in front of
the hospital, where we unfolded chairs, set up tables, sorted equipment, and
greeted participants as they arrived. I helped the study by obtaining and
recording hemoglobin levels in the field (severely afflicted malaria patients
generally have anemia) and processing samples for DNA extraction in the lab. During
the evening I would head to the surrounding communities to meet the
participants for the next day. If I had a penny for every time someone called
me oboruni…
The great thing about this study is that it isn’t just
collecting and analyzing data to assess a hypothesis—it also acts as an
advocate for the community. By providing frequent examinations of the
participants and paying for any low-level medical care, TransMAL helps ensure
the health of the participants. The majority of the participants are those
likely to be afflicted with schistosomiasis, and therefore have less disposable
income for frequent check-ups and clinical care. This study is an example of
public health research working for the future and the present. Good stuff.
After many goodbyes and a disappointing Euro Final (why France? why?) I
headed to Accra by way of my old friend, the VIP bus. Instead of watching
someone get sick, I was the one providing the show this time around. One bad
burger and an hour later, my pale and sweaty self jumped off the bus in the
outskirts of Accra and begged the boy carrying my luggage to take me through a village to my holy grail, the restroom. Hardly a place of rest, I squatted over a hole and did my business.
With everything back in order, I rode a taxi in town. Finally I arrived at the
Labadi Beach Hotel. Believe me when I say there is nothing like going from a
shack with holes in the ground to a five star beachside hotel in the matter of
an hour...
At the hotel, I am attending a symposium for the first day,
and then heading to the airport this evening. I am so humbled and grateful that
Kumasi made some room for me to be a part of a proud and unique Ashanti
culture, even if for a month and some change. I will remember this trip
forever, and hope there are more to follow in the future.
Medaase Ghana. Yebehyia.
