My first experience of a Public Health Awareness Campaign
Komal Vadday, BPSA Representative, 4th year MPharm, University of Hertfordshire.
In the summer of 2015, I went on a holiday to India for 6 weeks to visit my family and friends. Little did I know I was going to be involved in a public health awareness campaign which was an amazing life experience. As a part of the 61st International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) World Congress, I visited a small secondary school in Hyderabad, India to conduct my first ever Public Awareness Campaign.
I was an official IPSF delegate representing the BPSA, UK along with other pharmacy students from over 55 countries around the world. The conference also comprised of workshops, competitions, poster presentations, social events and general assemblies besides the health campaigns. Our task was to educate the students ranging from Years 5-7 about tuberculosis and general hygiene like hand washing techniques. As tuberculosis is a major problem in India currently, we set out to alert the younger generation who can pass on the information to their families and friends. The session required us to prepare posters and hand-outs with pictures and comprehensible language in advance. The information about the TB and hand washing techniques was provided by the Wold Health Organisation (WHO). Then, we visited the school with permission and interacted with groups of students from different years explaining them about tuberculosis, risks, prevention, vaccines and hand washing techniques.
Each delegate was given a group of 8-10 students to deliver the information. We even played simple games and conducted friendly quizzes at the end to check their understanding. To make the whole experience enjoyable, I taught the students a hand washing song to teach them the technique in ease. The kids loved the whole experience and refused to go back to their classes to spend more time with us which was adorable. In addition, we distributed printed booklets containing relevant information in English and local language for their families to understand. The whole experience has enabled me to gain extensive knowledge and an opportunity to spread it for a good cause. This is when I have realised that Pharmacy is a profession with no boundaries. This was one of the best experiences I have encountered and it is just the beginning. I strongly recommend all the pharmacy students to be involved in such events and build wonderful stories throughout your pharmacy career.
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