Our Nursing Students Launch 'Santé Pour Tous' Community Health Initiative

Third-year nursing students at Zyra University have launched an ambitious community health initiative called "Santé Pour Tous" (Health for All), bringing essential healthcare services to underserved communities in the Abidjan region.

The program, which began operations this month, provides free health screenings, basic medical care, and health education to residents who may not have regular access to healthcare facilities. Services include blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, nutritional counseling, and maternal health education.

"We wanted to put our training into practice while making a real difference in our community," said Marie Koné, one of the student organizers. "Many families in these areas face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, and we're honored to be able to help."

The initiative operates every Saturday, with teams of 15-20 students working under the supervision of experienced faculty members from the School of Nursing. Each session is carefully planned to address the specific health needs of the community being served, with students conducting preliminary assessments and developing targeted intervention strategies.

In its first month, the program has already served over 300 community members and identified several individuals requiring follow-up care, who were connected with local health facilities. The students have also conducted health education workshops on topics including hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and maternal health.

Dr. Fatou Diallo, Dean of the School of Nursing, praised the students' initiative: "This program exemplifies the values we instill in our students—compassion, service, and a commitment to health equity. It's also an invaluable learning experience that complements their classroom education."

The university has committed to supporting the program long-term, with plans to expand services to additional communities in the coming year. Future plans include adding dental screenings, mental health support, and chronic disease management programs.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with local leaders expressing gratitude for the students' dedication and the tangible impact on community health outcomes.