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.

 

 

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 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.

 

 

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!