…. Media and Volunteers Boost Public Health Awareness
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (17-07-2024) – The Zambian government, through the Minister of Health, is prioritizing community health as a foundational element in achieving universal health coverage via primary healthcare.
Dr. Kalangwa Kalangwa, the Ministry’s spokesperson, highlighted the essential role of media partnerships during a two-day UNICEF workshop in Kabwe for journalists.
He underscored the media’s influence in spreading health policies, preventive practices, and crucial health information.
“Accurate and timely reporting from media outlets shapes health behaviors and outcomes across Zambia,” he said. “Besides disseminating information, the media fosters community health awareness and promotes proactive health-seeking behaviors.”
This initiative aims to empower media professionals with the necessary knowledge to effectively communicate health issues, thereby aiding informed decision-making among the public.
Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and media stakeholders is crucial for public education, advocacy of preventive practices, and transparent implementation of community health services. Joint efforts amplify the reach and impact of public health messages, enhancing community health outcomes nationwide.
Efforts are underway to disseminate community health policy documents comprehensively across Zambia, aiming for systematic implementation and rigorous monitoring of community health systems. Engaging the media fosters a culture of health awareness and empowers communities to manage their health proactively.
A critical aspect of community health is the workforce, including community health assistants and community-based volunteers (CBVs).
These assistants spend most of their time in the community and a smaller portion in health facilities.
CBVs, literate community members, work in various health areas, recruited at a ratio of one per 500 people. They educate the public, promote health, and encourage prompt medical attention, thereby bridging the gap between the community and health facilities.
Supervised by neighborhood health committees, CBVs extend the Ministry of Health’s reach.
“Health is primarily fostered at home and within families, not just in health facilities,” Dr. Kalangwa noted. “Global and regional trends show a movement towards strengthening community health systems because of their benefits.”
During health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kalangwa explained, community-based volunteers played a vital role by educating people, addressing misconceptions, and ensuring timely healthcare access, significantly reducing the burden on health facilities.
To maximize the impact of these volunteers, the Ministry focuses on training, providing necessary tools, and monitoring and evaluation.
The new polyvalent community-based volunteer program trains volunteers to handle multiple health conditions within households.
Supported by initiatives like the Global Fund, Zambia aims to train over 40,000 polyvalent volunteers to work in various health areas.
The Ministry of Health is concerned about the rising trend of mixing conventional medicines with traditional remedies, which can lead to drug resistance and harmful interactions.
Thus, the public is encouraged to seek healthcare from certified facilities to receive proper medical advice and treatment.
The Ministry is also working with traditional healers and herbalists to address these issues, alongside the Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines Bill aimed at regulating traditional and herbal medicines.
“Inclusivity is a guiding principle in Zambia’s community health strategy,” Dr. Kalangwa said.
“The Ministry ensures that people with disabilities are prioritized for volunteer roles and access to healthcare services. Efforts are also made to combat misinformation about conditions like autism and provide integrated care packages.”
By harnessing the media’s influence, Zambia aims to enhance community health awareness, empower citizens with accurate health information, and promote preventive health practices.
As the nation moves towards universal health coverage, collaboration with media stakeholders demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to advancing public health through informed communication strategies and collaborative efforts.
This partnership underscores Zambia’s dedication to equitable healthcare access for all citizens, leveraging the media’s reach to build resilient community health systems and promote sustainable health outcomes.
Dr. Kalangwa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening community health as a cornerstone of its primary healthcare strategy.
He emphasized the pivotal role of community health assistants and volunteers, highlighting their integral position in local healthcare delivery. “Community health assistants dedicate 80% of their time to local communities and 20% to health facilities,” he said.
“Community-based volunteers, recruited at a rate of one per 500 population, engage in health promotion and education, addressing issues such as reproductive health and advocating for timely medical attention.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community-based volunteers conducted door-to-door education campaigns, dispelling myths, and fostering healthcare-seeking behavior.
He said efforts significantly alleviated pressure on health facilities, illustrating the pivotal role of community interventions during health crises.
To enhance their impact, the Ministry prioritizes ongoing training, provision of necessary tools, and rigorous monitoring. Volunteers are equipped with versatile skills to address a spectrum of health conditions within households, supported by initiatives like the Global Fund.
Consequently, Zambia aims to train over 40,000 such volunteers, aligning with global best practices in community health.
The Ministry also addresses the issue of mixing conventional medicines with traditional remedies by urging the public to seek healthcare from certified facilities and engaging traditional healers in collaborative efforts.
Inclusivity remains central to Zambia’s community health strategy, integrating persons with disabilities into volunteer roles and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
Specific attention is given to conditions like autism, combating misinformation, and delivering integrated care packages.
Dr. Kalangwa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging local expertise and global partnerships to achieve comprehensive healthcare coverage across the nation.