I had the privilege of being invited by Dynamic Doctors Uganda, led by Dr. Oscar and Dr. Ivan, to attend the second-quarter community outreach launch in Nammere Village, Uganda. Excitedly, I joined the team and immediately encountered a woman experiencing chest pain that radiated to her left arm and neck with nausea. Concerned, I swiftly rushed to the triage station and checked her blood pressure. It was alarmingly high, with a systolic reading of 217 and a diastolic reading of 110. We repeated the measurement several times, and the results remained consistent.

At that moment, I realized the severity of the situation and shared my suspicions with the rest of the team, I believed the woman might be suffering from a myocardial infarction commonly known as a heart attack. I inquired about the protocol for managing such cases, and I was informed that they typically referred patients to hospitals. This incident made me contemplate the significance of sharing this particular case.

I couldn’t help but worry and question what would have happened if this team hadn’t come and conducted the outreach program. Would this woman have survived without immediate medical attention? This line of thought led me to consider how many people, especially those in marginalized areas in Somalia, lack access to healthcare facilities and community outreach programs. It saddened me to think that individuals in similar situations might be dying from myocardial infarctions and other diseases without receiving the necessary support and care.

As a healthcare worker, this experience has reinforced my commitment to my role and inspired me to reach out to my fellow junior doctors in Somalia. I believe it is our duty to extend our reach beyond the confines of hospitals and clinics, to actively engage with and support communities in need. No one should be left behind due to geographical or socioeconomic barriers , We can no longer wait; our people are in desperate need of our assistance. Let us join forces and make a difference in their lives by providing the essential help they require , it is within our power to provide the essential care and support they deserve. Together, let us make a lasting impact, ensuring that healthcare reaches every corner of marginalized communities, offering hope, healing, and a chance for a better future..

PUBLISHED BY DR ASLI BILAN MOHAMED

Dr. Asli Bilan Mohamed, MBchB and MSc in Healthcare Management, has a keen interest in research, women’s health, and SRHR . Currently, she serves as the founder and CEO of Afra Health Initiative, an organization that focuses on women’s health, gender-based violence, and gender equality.