27 Aug 2017

A research team from University of Michigan School of Nursing and Oregon State University both in the United States of America, is in Maunatlala to conduct research on social health.

Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences Professor Sunil Khanna stated in an interview that the programme was a collaboration between Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and University of Michigan School of Nursing together with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The team comprises of two Professors and 10 student interns.

He said the primary objective of the programme was to provide hands on global and cross cultural learning and community based work to students from diverse academic backgrounds and interests.

He said the programme would cover areas such as public health, nursing, agricultural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences and social sciences.

Professor Khanna stated that the team was expected to work on projects related with understanding community culture and beliefs, impact of infrastructure, community food and nutrition, in-clinic and outreach services provided by the local community clinic and health posts.

“Our team is here to develop an understanding of the local infrastructure like housing, roads, water and sanitation, means of subsistence, access to technology, education and health services,” he stated.

The team’s research is to develop culturally sensitive and technologically innovative programmes to meet community needs including training community health workers, developing culturally appropriate health education and promoting programmes around maternal and infant health, child nutrition and health systems.

Area councillor, Ms Salome Lesole said the community of Maunatlala was happy to host the team and would do their best to give them all the support they needed.

She said the project would benefit the community as it would guide on areas that needed improvement.

Ms Lesole also commended the team for pledging to adopt Masupe Primary School, which had a special education unit for children living with disability. ENDS