The University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter of the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students’ Association (NIMELSSA) has organised a blood donation exercise to mark its Week. No fewer than 1,000 people donated blood for humanitarian assistance.
The event with the theme: Candidiasis: The unknown friendly infection, was graced by Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, represented by Mr Eni Ogban. Others guests at the occasion included the chairman of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists at the UNICAL Teaching Hospital, Prof A.A. Alaribe, Mrs Jane Ubi, Dr Ofonime Ogba, Dr Ify Okafor, Prof Lydia Abia-Bassey, Dr Patience Akpan, and Mr Enosakhare Asemota, among others.
The event also featured sensitisation rally on benefit of blood donation, health talks, quiz contest, drama and free medical tests.
During the rally, which was led by the NIMELSSA president, Monday Obio, students were urged to regularly donate blood to save patients in need. Monday said regular blood donation would help reduce mortality rate and keep body healthy.
Dr Asibong advised students on the need to go for regular check up to ascertain the state of their health. She urged them to go for test for candidiasis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis, malaria, urine analysis, blood sugar level, body count and breast examination.
“It is important to go regular medical check-up and also for blood donation, which will help in the production of new blood cells in the body,” she added.
Prof Abia-Bassey explained the origin of candidiasis, saying the fungal infection is caused by yeasts belonging to the genus candida. She said over 20 species of candida usually cause infection in humans, adding that the most common of the genus is C.
She said: “Candida yeasts are found as normal flora in the intestinal tract, mucous membranes and in the skin. Overgrowth of this candida can cause symptoms to develop rapidly. Symptoms vary depending on area affected.”
She listed most common infections resulting from candida genus to include oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis, genital and vulvovaginal candidiasis, and invasive candidiasis.
She said: “Good oral hygiene practices may help prevent these infections, especially in people with weak immune systems.”
Mr Asemota, who is a lecturer at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, spoke on Life after school, said the students would pass through five stages after their graduation:
He said after their induction and formal acceptance into the profession, they would get a provisional practicing license and undertake a year internship at accredited teaching hospitals. On completion of the internship, the Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria would issue them comprehensive license for full practice.
He said: “Your relevance to the society as a medical laboratory scientist begins with your seriousness in school. Begin to develop yourself for tomorrow.”
Prof Alaribe hailed the students for the humanitarian exercise to help patients in need of blood.
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