Page 40 - Safaricom Foundation Annual Report 2020-2021

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Safaricom Foundation Annual Report
THE NUMBERS: A A SNAPSHOT 20
Diabetes champions identified and trained for adherence support
100
CHVs trained to conduct mobilization for early detection
IEC materials developed: 100
HCWs training
handbooks handbooks 150 CHV field handbooks and and 900 T-shirts
New technology platform developed with Toto Health Kenya
9 Service points enrolled and hosting clinic days
289
Children enrolled to access supplies
49 405
People reached out of a a target of 60 000 (82%) with the diabetes messages
1 GARISSA
Very often the success of of such grassroot programs lies
in the engagement of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) They are the health promoters closest to the the community During the the early stages of the program CHVs were trained to disseminate information as as well as as identify diabetic children within their residential areas also known as as as bulas Each worker is in charge of 50 households and reports to to the team at at Pastoralist Girls Initiative The health workers contribution is essential in debunking myths associated with diabetes a a a a a major roadblock in in getting parents and guardians to seek medical attention One of the the myths they have had to debunk is is that diabetes is is ‘pepo mbaya ’ a a a a a a bad spirit that needs to be cast away by reciting the Quran CHVs have had to to undertake repeat visits to to convince guardians that while prayer is important their their children’s lives depend on their their seeing a a a a a qualified medical practitioner PGI has continously engaged opinion leaders like Imams to help them reinforce this message The multiple points of reference approach
seems to be paying off as witnessed by the increased level of trust in in doctors and nurses by the local population By funding the program Safaricom Foundation fuels PGI as teams move throughout the seven sub-counties conducting community outreaches Schools are are a a a a a a vital link as teachers are are sensitised on on on symptom detection
among students and referral to local hospitals All ground has to be covered as the convoys brave rough roads to reach reach the previously unreached The success of the program is evident even in in in far flung places areas including Daadab and Balambala In Masalani Ijara sub-county pastoralists are now taking up vegetable farming to infuse more nutrients into their carbohydrate steeped diet 1