Most health problems are not sudden. They begin as small habits that no one explained.
A thirteen-year-old swaps water for sugary drinks, unaware of what it does to the kidneys. Someone who closes from work at seven and eats a heavy meal at eight has no idea the habit can lead to type 2 diabetes. Traders in open-air markets cough and sneeze through the day without knowing the smoke and dust around them are to blame. People often sense that something is unhealthy, but not how much, or how often, it raises their risk.
Language widens the gap. Some people treat themselves rather than face a hospital they struggle to speak to. Others reach the consulting room and cannot describe what they feel.
Health Custodians Club brings together students from across the health sciences to close that gap through training, research and sensitisation. When people understand their risks early, illness is prevented or caught sooner, and they seek care knowing what to say.
Our mission
We help members discover and pursue their aspirations. We work to reduce the burden of disease in Africa through education, outreach and advocacy. We develop disciplined, purpose-driven leaders. We make health information simple enough for anyone to use. We build a culture of research and evidence-based advocacy. And we connect students, professionals, researchers and other stakeholders so they can work together.
Our vision
To develop health students with the practical, leadership, communication, research and interpersonal skills that go beyond the university curriculum, so they excel in their careers, serve communities well and help improve health outcomes.
The committee leads the club’s work and its members across the regions. Executive roles are by appointment, based on the commitment members show.
Applications for executive roles open with membership.
Members are organised by region, with a presiding head in each one. Outreach reaches schools, markets and rural communities in every part of the country.