Kim Truong recently spent time implementing a malaria diagnosis program at a rural clinic in Bumwalukani, a village in the Bududa District of Africa, which is about two hours from the City of Mbale.
"In malaria endemic regions with poor health infrastructures such as that of Bumwalukani, clinical diagnosis is the basis for determining health problems and subsequent care and treatment," said Truong, a second year Master’s of Public Health degree candidate at the Drexel University School of Public Health. "However, the similarity of malarial symptoms with other tropical diseases often causes a misdiagnosis, ultimately leading to incorrect treatments and drug-resistant strains of the disease. Thus, a more reliable approach, including a microscope-based diagnostic method, was needed to determine the cause of ailments in patients."
To carry out the project, Truong developed a comprehensive, culturally competent training protocol to teach community members to diagnose malaria using the Field-staining technique.
In order to develop the manual, Truong visited several health centers throughout the Bududa district, as well as the Muslim Hospital in Mbale to receive training by the clinic staff. From these health centers, Truong also obtained information on equipment and the location of supply centers. Truong and others working with her made several trips to supply centers in Mbale and distant Kampala to purchase necessary supplies. Truong then trained the clinic staff at the Bumwalukani clinic on procedures.
While overcoming obstacles such as language barriers, educational disparities, limited resources, equipment incompatibility and lack of funding, Truong enjoyed exploring different cultures and meeting people of different backgrounds.
"The School of Public Health equipped me with the tools to carry out my project. I learned the importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement. I also learned that sustainability and community empowerment are key in creating a sound healthcare system in a medically underserved community," said Truong.
The experience inspired Truong to create her own nonprofit organization, Universal Outreach Cooperative, Inc. It is dedicated to building health care systems in impoverished areas of Vietnam through creating health clinics and improving upon existing ones; empowering community members to take on proactive roles in health care delivery; and providing aid through monetary, supply and health care services from international volunteers.
As she looks ahead towards commencement, Truong remains committed to her work in establishing the non-profit and advancing her career in public health.
"I hope to expand and build upon the nonprofit organization. I will also be pursuing a career in healthcare management and administration, as well as fulfilling my dream of becoming a physician."