UADS, Asido Foundation and The Forum Bring In-Reach to Brownites

Unibadan Association of Dental Students (UADS), Asido Foundation and The Forum collaborated to organize a medical and dental outreach program for medical students who reside within Alexander Brown Hall (ABH), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The program aimed to provide medical and dental services to medical students who may not have had the time or resources to attend to their own healthcare needs, hence the tag ABH In Reach. It held on Saturday, 18th of February, 2023 at the Quadrangle and Table Tennis area of Alexander Brown Hall (ABH).

During a conversation with the CODEH Chairman, Mr Paul Ojeniran, he stated that all three organizations jointly proposed offering comprehensive medical and dental check-ups to Brownites, as a way of serving humanity, further explaining that a similar In Reach program was held in July, 2022. However, it was poorly attended due to a strike action. Therefore, they decided to hold this In-reach program again.

The event was staffed by volunteers from Asido Foundation, UADS, as well as The Forum. Together, they provided free medical and dental services to over 100 people who attended. These services included scaling and polishing, general oral examination, height and weight checks, malaria testing, visual acuity tests, blood glucose levels, blood pressure checks, mental health assessment, HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis screenings with counseling.

Though it was scheduled for 10am, the In reach commenced at about 11:30am with attendees checking their weight and height followed by blood pressure and blood glucose screening. They then went through mental health assessment, STI screening and concluded with scaling and polishing after general oral examination was done.

In a conversation with the National Public Relations Officer, Unibadan Campus Network of Asido Foundation, Mr Ogunlana Olaoluwaposi, stated that the core value of the Asido Foundation is making the world a better place one person at a time and as a such, it is important to spread awareness on mental health and to also challenge the stigma that medical professionals hold towards individuals with mental illnesses, especially their patients. He also emphasized the importance of raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and discouraging unsafe sexual practices amongst medical students.

Mr. Uzor David, The Chairman, Disciplinary Committee of The Forum and the Head of the Planning Committee for the ABH In-reach, mentioned that although the event experienced some difficulties, such as technical issues and a delayed start, it went well overall. The CODEH Chairman of UADS, Mr Paul Ojeniran, mentioned that while this is the last Abh in-reach event for their tenure, subsequent tenures will continue the program and even extend it to other halls of residence on the University of Ibadan campus.

In addition, Dentatics had the opportunity to interview some of the Brownites who participated in the In-reach. Mr. Ayo, a 600 Level Medical Student, expressed his appreciation for the program, especially the opportunity to receive a thorough medical and dental check-up, as well as mental health assessment. Miss Oreoluwa Adeyemo, a 600 Level Dental Student, mentioned that medical students are not the best patients and often neglect their own health. So, the in-reach was a good outlet to receive check-up conveniently within their hall of residence and without long wait times at the staff clinic. She also stated that the event served as an opportunity for her and her classmates to learn by performing procedures on Brownites, which helps to build their confidence.

Some Brownites however commented on the delay in starting the program, but overall, thought the in-reach was a positive experience and they expressed the desire for more in-reach events in the future.

Adebomi Deborah