Dealing with the Fulani's in Medicine....

I say #GetFulaniGirlsEducated

Disclaimer: This is by no way an insult to the lovely tribe, it is just my observation so far in dealing with a selected few. The larger population might be different.

Dealing with the uneducated Fulani man in medicine is such an uphill task. What comes to your mind first when you hear the word: Fulani?

As a health practitioner, i have interacted with all tribe ( to a large extent) in nigeria... The most difficult to work with/for is the uneducated Fulani man. Their ideology and way of life can be so primitive. Truth be told, if you lack patience, you can never survive an encounter.

One bright afternoon a young Fulani lady was rushed into the OBGYN emergency department. She was six months pregnant who just had a fit. Clinical history and physical examination gave us the
right diagnosis and management was instituted right away.

She was managed as antepartum eclampsia.

Our management and intervention was prompt ( i am proud of this). We successfully got her stabilized. 

Now came the part where we needed to see her husband ( who you would agree is a more valid relation). I was shocked when the following was revealed:

1. The husbands are not allowed to visit the wife or take her to the hospital when she is sick.. It is the responsibility of her family to do that. It is indeed a taboo.
2. A Fulani woman in child birth is left with her faith. She is sent off to a deserted place to give birth with no assistance. Just by her self. This tests her strength ( BULLSHIT!!!).

These findings really baffled me.... i was beyond shock. 

Moving on......

The uneducated fulani's are so difficult in the following ways:

• They refuse medical advice. You have to practically plead with them before management is commenced.
• They do not do required investigations without much pleading and/or pressure.
• They challenge your management and most times come to the hospital with their own traditionalist to co manage with you.
• They are so swift to DAMA (discharge against medical advice) to the detriment of the patients health. 
• The women don't have a say in matters regarding their health decision without consulting the husband whose absence is comforting...
• You have to make them see reasons with you as to why they should go ahead to pay their hospital bills. This is worse if the patient dies due to late presentation....

I love these tribe, don't get me wrong i just feel they need more enlightening. The elite amongst them should undergo in many out reach programs to enlightening their people. The rulers have a major role to play.

I say #GetFulaniGirlsEducated

I am of the opinion that a this tribe is somewhat neglected. We should remember that all the meat and some food stocks we eat are from them. They risk their lives for a living in the bushes and so need more care and health consciousness in our society today.

I say #GetFulaniGirlsEducated

As a way of signing off, i would want to wish them and all my readers a happy holidays. 

#OneLove #FromDesmondToYou