Yebehyia

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.