BY UBONG Edet [27 July 2017]
The Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association (NIMELSSA), held NIMELSSA Week 2017 with the theme – Candidiasis: The Unknown Friendly Infection.
The event was graced by Dr. Inyang Asibong, Commissioner for Health, Cross River State, ably represented by Mr. Eni Ogban, Dr. Ofonime Ogba, Dr. Ify Okafor, Prof. Lydia Abia-Bassey, Dr. Patience Akpan, Mr. Nosa Asemota, Mrs. Jane Ubi Chairman Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, the chief host Prof. A. A. A. Alaribe (HOD).
The event featured blood donation, sensitization rally, health talks, interclass quiz competition, drama and free medical tests.
The sensitization rally was led by the President of the association Hon. Obio Monday, who urge University populace to come and be tested freely and donate blood to save the lives of those sick in the hospital and demonstrating support to the nation Nigeria. By getting tested will help to reduce mortality rate in Nigeria as Nigeria is one of the country in the world with high mortality rate due to citizens lack of concern to medical check ups.
Speaking in the opening ceremony, Commissioner for Health, Cross River State, Dr. Inyang Asibong spoke to students on the need to go for constant tests; Candidiasis, HIV, Hepatitis, Malaria, urine analysis, blood sugar level, blood count, Breast examination and entire system checking.
"Most importantly go for blood donation, which will help in the production of new blood cells in the body" she added.
Speaking on theme, Prof. Lydia Abia-Bassey, explain to the university community what Candidiasis is all about "Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida
Over 20 species of Candidia cause infection in humans, the most common being C. albicans.
Candida yeasts are found as normal flora in the intestinal tract, mucous membranes and skin
Overgrowth can cause symptoms to develop
Symptoms vary depending on area affected
Common types: Oropharyngeal/Esophageal Candidiasis, Genital/Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Invasive Candidiasis.
Prevention, Good oral hygiene practices may help especially in people with weak immune systems".
While admonishing the stufents, Mr.ASEMOTA,ENOSAKHARE, a lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, on the topic "After School, What Next" argued that:
There are five stages after graduation: Induction – Introduction and acceptance of fresh graduates into the medical laboratory science profession. This comes with a provisional practicing license.
Internship – One (1 year) job training in an accredited tertiary hospital which has the major disciplines of medical laboratory science. These disciplines are Hematology /Blood transfusion science, Chemical pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology and Histopathology. On completion of the internship programme, full license is issued by the Medical Laboratory council of Nigeria.
National youth service corps – NYSC
Labor Market – Diagnostics (Private / public sector), Forensic medicine (Non – Governmental Organizations), Academics (teachings and training, and research), Manufacturing, sales and maintenance of laboratory equipment., Production of reagents and test kit, Managerial, administrative & political positions
Tips to success: Vision – Mental picture of the future, ability to think about or plan the future with wisdom, Hard work – A great deal of effort in carrying out task, Self-development – Seminars, trainings, workshops, Humility – Not thinking you are better than others, Diligence – Careful and persistent work, Honesty – Being fair and truthful, Integrity – Being honest with strong moral principles, Empathy – ability to understand and share the feelings of another, Trust God – Proverbs 3:4-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
In conclusion, Your relevance to the society as a medical laboratory scientist begins with your seriousness in school(University). Begin to develop yourself for tomorrow.
The very best in life is yours as you remain focus and determined to succeed.
Declaring the event closed, Prof. Alaribe appreciated the students for the high level of maturity and willingness to save lives by donating their blood and students association President Hon. Obio Monday for staging this scheme to promote the University and contributing to Nation building.
-Originally published in negroidhaven.org
