Biharamulo, Kagera – The Tanzanian Ministry of Well being, with technical and monetary help from the World Well being Group (WHO), Africa Centres for Illness Management and Prevention (Africa CDC), and UNICEF, geared up over 600 group well being employees (CHW) with hands-on abilities to reinforce native capacities in addressing the continued Marburg response efforts.
The coaching centered on key areas like group engagement, contact tracing, alert administration, an infection prevention and management (IPC), water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), self-care, and psychological first support. These abilities are important for bettering the early detection of Marburg instances and stopping additional unfold inside communities.
Mariam Matabalo, a group well being employee from Ruziba well being facility, expressed her appreciation for the coaching, particularly in areas associated to efficient communication with the general public. ‘Because the Marburg outbreak was declared in my village, many individuals have had questions on how the virus spreads. However with the talents I’ve gained from this coaching, I really feel extra assured in addressing these considerations and offering correct info to my group,’” she mentioned.
Dr. Ona Machangu, the Assistant Director of Well being Promotion, praised the collaborative efforts of WHO, UNICEF, and Africa CDC in making a unified coaching bundle and guaranteeing that CHWs had been actively concerned within the response efforts. ‘Harmonizing the coaching and actively partaking group well being employees is likely one of the greatest practices that strengthens the general response. We’re very grateful for the help from our companions to make this occur,’ he mentioned.
WHO has performed a pivotal position in coordinating these efforts, working alongside native well being authorities and companions to make sure that the coaching isn’t solely well-executed but in addition efficient in bolstering native well being methods.
Dr. Faraja Msemwa, the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) lead, reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting Tanzania’s well being system, guaranteeing that the nation is healthier geared up for potential well being emergencies sooner or later. ‘WHO is refocusing its assets to reinforce well being methods for a more practical response to potential well being emergencies.
This community-based strategy highlights the significance of native involvement in managing public well being crises. Via strengthened group resilience and the energetic participation of group well being employees, Tanzania is bettering its potential to stop, detect, and handle the Marburg outbreak, whereas additionally making ready for future well being threats.