Love of Children + Love of Public Health Projects ≠ Love of Child Malnutrition Campaigns
I always figured I would love working on projects aimed at ending malnutrition.
I love kids
I love Pubic Health
It just made sense
I was WRONG!
Now, I want to preface this story with this statement: I still believe that programs aimed at ending malnutrition are probably the most effective and critical public health initiatives in the world. The fact of the matter is, ending malnutrition in children has been proven to have long lasting positive impacts on the children, their families, and the future of communities. It works. Period.
But for me, there was something I had not figured into my little equation: Blood Draws
Tracking micronutrient deficiencies involves measuring iron levels. This, as anyone who has ever given blood knows, involves a finger prick.
And you know what?
It HURTS.
Baaaaaaaaaad.
I went out last week a few of the Health Promoters from the clinic, who work on a project called MANI. This program is aimed at treating micro-nutrient deficiencies in children under the age of five, through a supplement called Chispuditos.
So, they do a chat about the program, and then call the first kid up to the front to get weighed, and finger pricked.
Now, kids are not stupid. That kid took one look at the health promoter, who was trying to act like it was no big deal, and…
LOST IT
A full on tantrum. Screaming until I thought he was going to pass out.
And that is all it takes. One crying kid. From that point all the other kids (who are also not stupid), started crying the moment their mom brought them up to the front.
Here is the catch. I really hate watching kids cry. It breaks my heart.
After a few hours of this, I realized that what sounded like an incredibly fun way to be involved in public health, was in fact, not so glamorous. That job takes a real tough person.
Also, if I ever have kids, someone else is taking them to get vaccinated.
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