Our first few days in Dindigul have been very exciting and full of meeting new people, walking around our neighborhood, and learning about the MEERA Foundation. Because local elections are on Monday, we haven’t been able to start doing field work (door-to-door TB surveys and educational sessions), but we have still been pretty busy!

 

 

Mr. Mohamed picked us up from the airport at about 7:00 on Tuesday morning and we drove for two hours to get to Dindigul. At the MEERA Foundation office, we met Lakshmi and Annakkodi, two wonderful MEERA volunteers with whom we will be working most closely on MEERA’s TB education project.

 

 

Lakshmi and Annakkodi took us to the local government hospital where we talked with officials from the tuberculosis center, doctors specializing in HIV treatment, a lab technician who analyzes blood samples in the HIV treatment center, and several HIV counselors. These medical personnel gave us helpful background information on HIV and TB, the most pressing health issues facing the Dindigul community. They also explained to us the resources available to patients. Because TB spreads through airborne particles, its treatment is highest priority at the government hospital. The government of India provides free TB treatment through its Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP).

 

 

Back at the MEERA office, we spent time talking with Lakshmi and Annakkodi (thankfully Adrish understands Tamil), met with Mr. Mohamed and Mrs. Mohamed, and ate a lot of delicious food. Since Sunday is a no-work day, we spent time sorting through the information collected throughout the week and took a few pictures of the neighborhood. On Monday it started raining, which was a much appreciated relief from the heat!

 

 

We look forward to updating you next week on the field work we will be conducting starting this Tuesday!