Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has stepped up efforts to transform communities through a plethora of outreach initiatives. On 13th December, 2024, the MMUST Extension Services and Outreach Unit teamed up with the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, the Directorate of AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming, the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM) and the University Health Services to conduct free eye screening and treatment, free breast cancer screening and treatment, as well as free HIV counselling services. The residents had an opportunity to engage with the DCCM team, who gave a career talk and provided critical information about MMUST’s academic programs.
The university outreach office steered by Dr. Issa Kweyu and the, utilized the community connections of MMUST’s contact person in the region- CPA Jared Rading to secure the venue and mobilize the community and local partners, including the Ministry of Health (MOH) at Akala. Speaking during the event, the Director, AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming- Prof. Fredrick Alala pointed out that the event had been successful and that the initiative touched many lives.
The Director, AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming- Prof. Fredrick Alala speaks at the Akala event.
“MMUST has conducted a mix of activities. Apart from creating awareness about Gender Based Violence and teaching people what measures to put in place, the staff and students of MMUST carried out Breast Cancer Screening, Eye screening. Providing HTS- HIV Testing and Counseling Services. Akala Market is located in South Eastern Gem where there are high poverty levels as well as high HIV prevalence. We thank the university Management for supporting the initiative,” said Prof. Alala.
A section of the community members listen keenly to the MMUST team at Akala.
The Chairman of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Dr. Julius Rono and his team, comprising of Mr. Andrew Wekesa (Attachment coordinator), Ms. Sheila Nangena and Mr. Alfred Ragot, were at hand to conduct eye screening and on- site diagnosis for Akala residents. Dr, Rono stressed on the importance of the correct medication, counseling and early prevention of diseases.
“We encourage early prevention of eye conditions. Early health seeking makes it possible for diagnosis to be done and for referrals to be made for further treatment of these conditions. Other patients whom we meet during such outreaches come to our MMUST AVC (Academic Vision Centre) run by optometry department where students get their practice,” stated Dr. Rono.
Attachment Coordinator-Mr. Andrew Wekesa (center) makes a presentation during the outreach. He is flanked by Prof. Fredrick Alala and Mr. Alfred Ragot.
In an interview with DCCM, the outreach coordinator, Dr. Issa Kweyu pointed out that community outreach is a critical part of learning and community service. “We are implementing community service as captured in the MMUST Strategic Plan - 2023/24 - 2027/28. We encourage students to offer community service as part of their course work,” said Dr. Kweyu.
A section of MMUST students during the outreach.
Selipher Sabatia from the MMUST clinic was able to provide free breast cancer screening and treatment together with the students pursuing nursing. She was also able to do referrals for the serious cases that required further medical attention. The link to the medical team of the area had been provided by MMUST’s Finance Officer, CPA Jared Rading, who co-coordinated the mobilization for the outreach at Akala Market in conjunction with the MOH of the facility in the area.
Undoubtedly, MMUST is on the right trajectory regarding provision of practical, top notch medical and optometry training. This outreach at Akal Market was an exceptionally impactful, integrated way of touching lives at community level and giving back to society by an institution of higher learning.
Photos by Daudi Kioko
