Beyond Operation Jijue UJipange Health Drive Poster….

According to the Ministry of Health,Eldoret records the highest rates in child birth, death due to cancer(cervical cancer) and HIV/AIDS, a wrong that Tunza Family Health Network and Population Service International(PSI)  has been making right for 2 months around Eldoret through universities, colleges and polytechnics with the focus being family planning, cervical cancer and HIV and the target being the youth(18-30 years).Although Operation Jijue Ujipange was meant to reach the youth, the initiative generously opened its doors to anyone who had a need for breast and cervical cancer screening,HIV testing and advice on family planning.

An interview with Judy Mutua,a team member from Tunza,rates Moi university as the best when it comes to health awareness and response to health campaigns such as these, this in comparison to University of Eldoret(formerly Chepkoilel campus),Rift Valley Technical Training Institute(RVTTI) and Eldoret Polytechnic. Feedback from the team reveals that a total of 941 community members(students and non-students) came for cancer screening alone! A record that points to an effective mobilization system at the campus through word of mouth, use of posters and student organizations so kudos to all!

For those who have the health brochures and may not have time to read them or find medical jargon a bitter pill to swallow, in lay man's language, the health drive team advises students and the public on the following:

-cervical cancer screening is only for those who are sexually active or smoke,however,a HPV(virus causing cervical cancer) vaccination is important for girls(9-13 years) which protects them for 7-8 years.

-An e-pill is not a magical pill that solves all sex-related problems as it doesn’t protect one from HIV/AIDS and STIs and also 1 single e-pill is equivalent to taking 8 of the normal family planning pills thus a detriment to the uterus ladies. Seek medical help on safe pills from a certified health practitioner.

-Avoid unprotected sex thus use condoms available at the campus clinic and at dispensers in hostels.

-Go for HIV testing on a yearly basis unless advised otherwise or in case of a possible risk exposure and not every month as most do as it loses meaning!

-There is a great need for peer education with regards to health matters as many are in the dark or simply choose not to care at all

My two cents:

'Read the brochures on family planning, cervical cancer and HIV and do not rely on what is only mentioned here, stay informed!'

….final note…

…do you care about your health and that of your friend?

Margaret C Tanui

Health Writer