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MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIRS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

Dear MSAP members, 

We hope this message finds you well amidst the unanticipated levels of fear and uncertainty during the past few weeks. The impact of the virus has been profound and we send our best regards to you and your family.

We will be doing our very best to continually adapt our plans to match the current situation. Our Birthing Kit Night that was meant to happen this week will be postponed to a new date and we are currently assessing whether it is possible to move GHSC online. We will update you of the decisions we make regarding our events through Facebook and this mailout so please stay connected. 

Lastly, we would like to implore everyone to think and act responsibly as global citizens. During the incredibly trying times of a global health issue on this scale, we have all the more a moral obligation to play an active role in preventing further spread of not only the virus but the hysteria. Keep yourselves adequately informed but not panicked about the ever-changing situation through reliable sources. Be perseverant in undertaking proper sanitation measures. Catch yourselves thinking selfishly and look out for others instead (read the fantastic piece written by our Educations Officers below for more on this!). Take care of your mental health as much as your physical health.
We will get through this.


Best wishes,
Ash Li Khoo & Brenda Ng
MSAP Co-Chairs 2020

chair@msap.org.au

COVID-19: HOW TO PROTECT THE VULNERABLE


 

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has been a frightening and uncertain time for so many of us, but even more so for the vulnerable members in our local communities. While symptoms may be mild in healthy young adults, those who are elderly or immunocompromised are at much greater risk, often developing severe symptoms and requiring ventilation. Immunocompromise/ immunodeficiency can result from a variety of conditions including:

  • Congenital disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Drugs for cancer and other auto-immune diseases (Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis to name a few)
  • Other co-existing conditions like renal failure, tuberculosis and malignancy [1] 
These more susceptible individuals may not be able to recover as easily from COVID-19 as younger, healthier people, which is why it is essential to be considerate of their health and needs in this trying time. This extends to not hoarding groceries and other supplies, as this makes such goods even less accessible for elderly and chronically ill individuals (see Image 1). Additionally, it means staying home where possible, unless there are necessary reasons or purchases that must be made. Please also see the infographic above for some other suggestions of the ways in which we can help the most affected groups, and help flatten the curve.
Image 1: Panic buying has meant that food and essential supplies are currently difficult to obtain, particularly for elderly and chronically ill individuals. [2]
[1] Sewell, W. (2020). Infection and pathology in the immunocompromised. Lecture, UNSW.
[2] Barr, S. (2020). Heartbreaking picture of elderly man surrounded by empty supermarket shelves. Retrieved 20 March 2020, from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/coronavirus-elderly-man-supermarket-panic-buying-stockpiling-sainsburys-instagram-a9408256.html

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

Electives Photo Competition Winner

Congratulations to Isabelle McKay for winning this year's MSAP Electives Photo Competition with her submission titled "Samoan Fia Fia!" 

Here's what Isabelle had to say about her photo:
"Fia Fia is a traditional Samoan performance, which often includes a tribal fire dance. Men wield batons alight at both ends, throwing them up in the air and lighting the night sky. Their leg coverings are woven out of long grass, but never once caught on fire - even when the batons were twirled between their legs."

To view all of the incredible submissions from the 2019/2020 cycle of MSAP's Elective Aid Program, click here.

A Very Successful Treevia Night 2020!

A huge thank you to those of you who participated in Code Green's Treevia! With your help, we managed to raise $360.9 for MSAP! Well done, and we hope you enjoyed battling it out for a good cause!

 Congratulations to the Newest Members of our Executive Team! 

Say hello to our newly-elected First Year Representatives Eric Myat (left) and Pabasha Nanayakkara (right)! We're delighted to welcome them into our MSAP Executive and cannot wait to see the wonderful things they will accomplish this year.
Thank you to our sponsors,
Going Green Solutions!

Going Green Solutions kindly sponsored Code Green's recent Treevia night! They have also graciously offered a promotion code exclusively for MSAP members! Check out their website for a range of eco-friendly products and use the code UNSW-Medical for 10% off until 21st August!
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Copyright © Medical Students' Aid Project 2020. All rights reserved.

Rachel Tam
Secretary, Medical Students' Aid Project
msap@msap.org.au

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Medical Students Aid Project · UNSW Medical Students Society PO Box 6117, UNSW Sydney, NSW 1466 Australia · Sydney, Nsw 1466 · Australia

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