Member of
IFMSA
Following the global health crisis on Covid-19, SLEMSians took up into Covid-19 preventive Media sensitization to the general population of our country, emphasizing frequent hand washing with soap and running water, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining social distancing, etc, in order to help prevent the coronavirus invasion in Sierra Leone, when we were still zero cases affected. The media sensitization continued more effectively, after registering our first case on March 31, 2020.
was made by SLEMSians and the video jingle was aired on all our national television stations.
Health caregivers were celebrated via our online media handles for their strives towards achieving HEALTH FOR ALL, putting their priorities second and the patient first, committing to their duty to saving lives especially in the midst of Covid-19, ensuring good health service delivery.
1. On the 10th of April, we organised a Medical Ethics Online Session for all SLEMSians
2. On the 17th of April, we organised an online session for all SLEMSians on OPPORTUNITIES AT IFMSA, with Saad Uakkas, as our presenter.
3. SCOME also organized several online class presentations as a way to enhance learning for all SLEMSians, despite the Covid-19 impact on our educational system.
4. On June 4th, 2020, SCORP organized an online presentation on MENTAL STATE, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
An online (Via our Social media handles) and media awareness( Radio and Television) was done on malaria, owing to the fact that malaria kills a child every two minutes globally. The theme was "Zero Malaria Starts with me".
On May 5th, 2020, SLEMSA joined hands with WHO in raising awareness via our social media handles, on asthmatic attacks and death happening globally. Emphasizing that people with asthma should manage their asthma well and get support especially now, with Covid-19 outback. The theme was " Enough Asthma Deaths".
As a way to complement the effort of the government of Sierra Leone in the fight against Covid-19, we embarked on a bus to bus sensitization in Western Area, the current epicenter of the disease.
The campaign was centered on
- Proper use of a facemask
- Myths and facts around Covid-19
- Signs and symptoms
- Treatment
- Updates on Drugs/vaccine
- Preventive measures
The Covid-19 was taken beyond the media houses, and engaged countrymen on one of the most frequently used means of transportation around Freetown.
On May 31st, 2020, we raised awareness via our social media handles, on the effects of tobacco use. Emphasizing the major risk factors for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, over 20 different types and subtypes of cancers, and many other debilitating health conditions. Also, emphasized second-hand smoke exposure, being implicated in adverse health outcomes causing about 1.2 million deaths annually. The theme was" PROTECTING YOUTHS FROM INDUSTRY MANIPULATION AND PROTECTING THEM FROM TOBACCO AND NICOTINE USE".
On June 14, 2020, we embarked on social media awareness on the need for regular blood donation to ensure access to affordable and timely supplies of safe and quality assured blood and blood products, as an integral part of Universal health coverage and a key component of an effective health system.
On the 19th of June 2020, we raised awareness via our social media handles on the disorders and struggles that patients and their families go through. The theme was "SHINE THE LIGHT ON SICKLE CELL".
On the 20th June 2020, we raise awareness via our social media handles about the refugee crisis. Of which nearly half of all the refugees are children and they deserved, safe and stable childhood to play, learn, and grow up with their families.
On 28th July 2020, we raised awareness on the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change, of the fact that only 1 in 10 of hepatitis B and C affected patients have been treated and only 1 in 5 have received appropriate treatment. Also, one of our national radio stations contacted our association to clearly enlighten the general population about viral hepatitis and the risks associated, when infected or when unvaccinated.
We participated in the first-ever International Federation of Medical Students' Association online General Assembly.
In the whole of October, SCORA championed breast cancer awareness which happened via our social media handles and conducting a breast cancer awareness and screening every Friday, in partnership with THINKING PINK BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION.
On the 1st of December 2020, SCORA continued to raise awareness about HIV & AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme was "ENDING THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC; RESILIENCE AND IMPACT".
On the 12th December 2020, SLEMSA partnered with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and NAPS-SL, conducted a massive sensitization in schools and healthcare facilities, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance worldwide and encourage best practices among the general public, healthcare workers, and policymakers to slow the development and spread of drug-resistant infections.
SLEMSA participated in the just concluded online African Regional Meeting 2020.