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Weeks 2 and 3: Starting Field Work

With elections over, we started field work over the past two weeks, and it was such a thrilling and informative experience. From late May to June, the MEERA Foundation’s TB project aims to give educational sessions and door-to-door health surveys to the families of Emakkalapuram and Thiramadai, villages about an hour outside the city. A typical day of going out into the field starts with taking an auto to the bus center in the middle of Dindigul.

 

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The bus stand in Dindigul.

 

To get to Emakkalapuram and Thiramadai, we then drive out of the city and into the rural area surrounding it. On Friday of our first week of field work, we assisted with Annakkodi’s men’s educational meeting in Emakkalapuram. The women’s meeting followed the next day. First, Annakkodi gave a short lecture on TB and its treatment options, then we talked with community members as they signed MEERA’s attendance form (it keeps track of who/how many people attended the educational meeting).

 

The men’s informational meeting in Emakkalapuram.
The men’s informational meeting in Emakkalapuram.

 

Signing the attendance form.
Signing the attendance form.

 

The following week, we started door to door surveys. We collected data on the number, age, and gender of people in community families. We also recorded the presence or absence of TB symptoms and previous TB treatment undergone by family members. Symptomatic members are referred to the nearest government hospital.

 

One of the neighborhoods in Emakkalapuram where we conducted surveys.
One of the neighborhoods in Emakkalapuram where we conducted surveys.

 

Riding to and from Emakkalapuram and Thiramadai, we saw some really interesting landmarks along the road (pictures below). Next week, we’ll keep you updated on our project (and also detail our weekend trip to the beautiful temple in Palani). See you soon!

Arch marking the entrance to a neighborhood that is predominantly Christian.
Arch marking the entrance to a neighborhood that is predominantly Christian.

 

Temple honoring Shiva in Emakkalapuram.
Temple honoring Shiva in Emakkalapuram.

 

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