Sizolwethu Mobile Health
The Training of trainers’ strategy will be used to cascade information from doctors down to the Sizo nursing staff, then to the CHWs who will then cascade the information further to the rest of the community members.
I am one of the many women in Inyozani community, Fort Rixon, who have received health and hygiene education from Sizolwethu. I have acquired knowledge about how to identify signs and symptoms various diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, TB and diarrhoea. I have also learnt first aid and how to prevent abuse; and how to look after my home environment. We now know how to prevent some diseases and deal with some diseases without using medication. We also know how to avoid sexual abuse and help others to avoid or report sexual abuse. My fellow women and I have used the health and hygiene knowledge to improve the quality of health in our homes for the benefits of all members. Those of us who have received training from Sizolwethu have also taught others in the community.
Currently all our developmental WASH projects in schools are complimented by the software component of Participatory Health and Hygiene Education Program. As a means of enhancing effectiveness, sustainability and impact of the intervention as well as increasing the levels of participation of children, Health Clubs are established. The Health clubs are run by the children with the health teacher’s assistance and operate within the schools (which is in the community). This helps with the information cascading down to the rest of the community members. Health clubs continue to operate even after the exit of Sizolwethu.
Animated education videos are also some of the ways that we share messages to community members. During COVID restrictions, this was a very effective way of sharing health messages via online platforms such as WhatsApp.
If possible insert an example short video