On July 27, 2024, the Melusi community in Pretoria West experienced a groundbreaking healthcare outreach. The annual One Health Project, hosted by Health House and veterinary students, expanded this year to include a multidisciplinary approach. Traditionally involving medical and veterinary students, the project now integrates various health sciences disciplines to provide comprehensive care. The One Health concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.

Students from all the disciplines were involved, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

Upon arrival, community members were registered and their demographics recorded. Nursing students took and interpreted vital signs, providing an essential baseline for further assessments. Clinical Associate students conducted extensive medical history interviews, followed by physical examinations by Medical students.

Oral Hygiene and Dental students provided oral screenings and education on maintaining oral health, with each participant receiving a complimentary toothpaste. The Dietetics station focused on nutritional assessments and offered practical advice on an affordable, healthy diet.

This empowered community members with knowledge on managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Occupational Therapy students demonstrated the use of assisted living devices and taught emergency splinting techniques. Sports science students hosted games for the children from the community to promote physical wellness.

Radiography students facilitated a Cancer Awareness station, educating participants about the warning signs of cancer. They demonstrated self-breast exams and highlighted urinary symptoms as potential indicators of prostate cancer. An HIV testing station, facilitated by a professional nurse, provided confidential health services.

Community Engagement and Impact

The project was hosted at Melusi Primary Health Care Clinic, an ideal setting to promote healthcare knowledge among community members. In this community, general health screenings are not a common practice due to work demands and common misconceptions. Many only seek medical attention when the disease has advanced. This event was crucial to educate the community on the preventive benefits of regular health screenings.

The project also addressed a significant concern: the fear of discovering health issues, which often leads to refraining from screenings. We emphasized the importance of early detection, educating the community on how proactive health management can prevent future complications. This was particularly evident in the cancer awareness station. Any patients requiring further investigations were given referral letters to nearby clinics, ensuring that they could be treated at the appropriate level of care.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Improvement

While the One Health Project was a resounding success, there are opportunities for growth. Future projects could include psychological guidance from social workers or psychologists. The involvement of communication students could help convey medical information in a clear and accessible way to enhance the community’s understanding.

The 2024 One Health Project demonstrated the benefits of a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to community healthcare, setting a model for future initiatives.