Experience of a medical student on an African mission

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Senegal is a country on the west coast of Africa with a rich French colonial heritage. It has an Islamic religion as its center, however in more distant villages several other African religions are worshiped. Senegalese health is very precarious, and mystical and natural practices for the treatment of illnesses are very widespread. Medical care is free, however patients need to pay for all materials in case any procedure, surgery, hospitalization or medication is needed. EXPERIENCE REPORT: The activity carried out took place from January 3rd to 17th, 2019. The works were classified into three groups, services in the villages, in the city and in national prisons. All the activities carried out had the central purpose of providing medical and dental care to the needy populations living in the country. DISCUSSION: The local health system has few or no trained doctors who work with the poorest population. In this way, local cultures and religions gain space and sovereignty over the population's health-disease conditions, and many mystical measures are taken to treat illnesses. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Although lacking, any population has the duty to be attended by a medical team that can assist their health-disease conditions. In addition, it is extremely important to recognize the associated cultural and religious factors so that science does not overlap with local belief.

KEYWORDS: Senegal; Medical care; Health Status Disparities; Health-Disease Process.