Introduction

Weather Update

Despite the frequent forecasts of imminent rainfall in Karachi, the heat only seems to intensify. Today, the temperature felt like a scorching 50°C. It's baffling how some people don't seem to feel the heat or sweat. It's almost like a superpower that I'd love to have, haha.

Work Update

We have successfully completed the first cycle of our free dental outreach programs for this year, spanning the initial three months. These programs, which commenced in mid-April and concluded in early July, allowed us to conduct 10 outreach events. Our focus was primarily on underprivileged and underfunded government primary and secondary schools in Karachi, as well as orphanages.

Our next target is the law enforcement sector of this city, specifically the Traffic Police department. We aim to offer free dental check-ups, oral hygiene awareness sessions, and distribute dental care products to those in need within this sector at no cost.

This initiative is largely my idea. I believe the law enforcement sector, especially the Traffic Police, is one of the most overlooked in terms of health and wellness. However, my team is divided on this approach. Some members agree with the new direction, thinking it’s a worthy endeavor. Meanwhile, others believe we should continue our outreach efforts within government schools.

Given the differing opinions within the team, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. What do you think is the better approach? We plan to consider all feedback thoroughly before launching our next round of programs in July.

The Outreach

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Funding

In the first few months of our outreach programs, we've prioritized the areas of Gulshan, Johar, Bahadurabad, and other adjoining neighborhoods in the eastern side of Karachi. This decision was driven by the feasibility and accessibility for our volunteers. It is crucial to recognize that volunteers need incentives, as not everyone is willing or able to work without compensation. In a country struggling with economic challenges, individuals often lack the time to engage in public service without some form of benefit.

To address this, we provided volunteers with highly regarded certifications endorsed by the prestigious Aga Khan Hospital, renowned for its public health department. Additionally, we selected schools that were easily accessible to most volunteers, given our limited capacity to offer substantial financial assistance for transportation, whether public or private.

While discussing these matters might seem desperate and disheartening, it is the reality we face. Our funding is critically limited, and our priority is to manage essential needs for our dental check-ups. These essentials include diagnostic materials, goody bags, posters, medicines, and more. Consequently, transportation expenses are deprioritized, causing inconvenience for both volunteers and our core team.

Despite these challenges, we must continue our work without complaints or delays. We have little expectation of support from the government. However, we occasionally receive aid from private entities, and we are particularly grateful to the Steemit team for their consistent support.

Nevertheless, we must keep moving forward. Our focus remains on delivering quality dental care and education to underprivileged communities. The commitment and dedication of our volunteers are commendable, and we strive to support them as best we can within our constraints.

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Dental Outreach

The purpose of this camp, much like the others we've set up, was to provide top-notch dental diagnoses to children who have likely never visited a dentist. Why is this the case? Oral hygiene is often completely neglected in countries like ours. This issue isn't unique to Pakistan; in many underdeveloped nations, dental care is at the bottom of the priority list.

Our goal was to offer our dental expertise within the constraints of limited time and resources. For our diagnoses, we typically use simple tools such as wooden tongue depressors, plastic gloves, and flashlight from our cell phones. It's worth mentioning that I aspire to purchase at least one portable dental unit. Having this portable unit would significantly ease the process of conducting outreach programs like this one.

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A portable dental unit costs around $900, but I remain optimistic. I believe that when intentions are pure, achieving goals becomes easier. One day, I will reach that milestone.

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Anyway, during our recent outreach program, we had only 7 volunteers, which enabled us to establish 7 operational OPDs simultaneously. One of our most critical tasks was to connect with the school principal beforehand. This step ensured that we had all the necessary data and a comprehensive list of students prepared before the camp commenced. It was essential for us to verify that only students with signed parental consent forms were examined. These consent forms were provided to the principal in advance, who then distributed them to the students.

The primary purpose of these consent forms was twofold: first, to ensure that we had legal protection, and second, to instill a sense of integrity and responsibility in the children. By involving their parents in the process, we aimed to foster an environment where the students understood the importance of seeking permission and being accountable for their health decisions.

One particularly memorable case from our outreach program involved a young boy whose family had recently migrated to Karachi from a distant village. His parents were entirely unfamiliar with dental check-ups and the role of dentists. This lack of awareness highlighted a significant gap in their knowledge about oral health. For us, it was an incredibly rewarding experience to educate this young boy about the fundamentals of oral hygiene and the importance of regular dental visits. We emphasized the role of daily brushing and flossing, the impact of diet on dental health, and how regular check-ups can prevent serious dental issues.

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We successfully examined 52 students, a significant achievement considering that only 52 out of 78 students had their parental consent forms signed. I sometimes feel bad for those kids whose parents didn't sign the form; they feel left out, watching from outside the classroom as their classmates gain new experiences. This situation brings back memories from my own childhood when I eagerly participated in every activity.

The students were informed about the focused group discussion scheduled for the following day. What is a focused group discussion? It involves the students who were examined, bringing either of their parents to school the next day. Our dental team, along with the parents, teachers, and the principal, engage in a crucial discussion about providing better opportunities for the kids to improve their oral hygiene.

During this session, we solicit feedback, opinions, and ideas from everyone involved. I will make a separate post dedicated to the focused group discussion, as it deserves detailed attention due to the extensive conversations that took place.

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Conclusion

I am very proud of our achievements, yet deeply concerned about the future, especially regarding oral health awareness in this country. The outlook seems bleak. Just a couple of days ago, I diagnosed a patient with suspected oral cancer, and his response was disheartening:

"Choro daaksahab kuch nhi hota aap dawayi batao"

"Leave it, doctor. Nothing's going to happen. Just prescribe me some medicine."

This attitude highlights the critical need for awareness. However, through oral health programs like the ones we are conducting, we hope to make a difference for future generations. Our primary goal is to instill the importance of oral hygiene from a young age. By teaching children early, we aim to embed a sense of responsibility toward their oral health, ensuring they don't suffer later in life

These programs are not just about immediate results but about fostering a long-term change in attitudes and behaviors. By educating young minds, we aspire to create a healthier future where oral health is given the attention it deserves.

Regards
Dr Huzaifa Naveed