Interview with Laura Pajares, psychologist and collaborator of the CPEN solidarity project in Senegal

Abast collaborates with the solidarity project of Health Cooperation in Casamance (Senegal) organized by CPEN (Equip d'Endocrinologia i Nutrició Teknon – Clinica Sagrada Familia).

In this interview we speak with Laura Pajares, the team's general health psychologist, who traveled to Senegal last year on the international medical mission and who will repeat this October along with other professionals from the project.

What does your project consist of?

The project focuses on two objectives:

• Carry out a screening for Diabetes and Hypertension in the Casamance region to raise awareness among the population, as well as to provide nutritional advice and pharmacological treatment to patients who need it.

• Provide information in schools about puberty to young girls in the area through stories Mia is getting older.

What results did you achieve last year?

In response to the medical project, in December 2023 we evaluated 470 people from 8 towns in the north of Casamance: Abéné, Albadar, Bendjicaki, Colomba, Diannah, Diouloulou, Kabadio and Kafountine.

During these evaluations, we record data such as weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin.

As results, we detected 41,28% of the participants had HTN (only 33,33% on pharmacological treatment). The figures for type 2 diabetes mellitus reveal that 23,96% of the people evaluated suffer from it. Medication was provided to this group. Additionally, we identified a 15% of prediabetic individuals, who were provided with healthy dietary and lifestyle guidelines.

Regarding the educational project on Puberty, we visited 5 primary schools (Abéné1, Abéné2, Diouloulou, Kafountine, and Kabadio). The story “Mía se a grande” was presented to girls from 9 to 14 years old and a questionnaire was given about knowledge and feelings about puberty. Regarding the results, almost 67% had not heard about puberty, 60% of the girls did not know what menstruation was and 60% was worried about the change that occurs during puberty.

Why is it important to spread this type of knowledge?

As an Endocrinology and Nutrition team, we set out to share our knowledge in this region of Senegal. We firmly believe in the importance of educating and promoting the prevention of these pathologies, since, if they are not treated or controlled properly, they can have serious consequences for the health of those who suffer from them.

How do you value last year's experience?

For me, it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. We leave with great enthusiasm and the desire to help the Casamance region. After fully immersing myself in its culture and meeting its wonderful people, I returned with a heart full of happiness and gratitude. I feel very lucky to be able to share knowledge in regions that have few resources, with the hope that they can achieve greater autonomy and improve their quality of life. Without a doubt, they have also taught us valuable lessons about the importance of relationships and reminded us how to live life with a more positive outlook.

Video summary of the 2023 project: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1Mf6Suo4uw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

How can you collaborate with the project?

• Buying cloth bags or t-shirts.

• By making a donation to:

  • AD50 0001 0000 4160 9080 0101

  • BENEFICIARY: ABAST GLOBAL SL

• €10: 1 story for a school library.
  €20: 2 stories
  €50: 5 stories

€100: pharmacological treatment for one person for one year.
€500: trip for a cooperator.

All proceeds will be transferred in full to the non-profit Association YTUENAFRICA dedicated to health cooperation in the Abene area, Casamance.

If you want more information you can write to me at [email protected].