Update from WiRED’s Community Health Workers in Kenya
Posted onWiRED International’s community health workers (CHWs) in Kisumu, Kenya, are now established, trusted health providers in their community. They teach thousands
WiRED International’s community health workers (CHWs) in Kisumu, Kenya, are now established, trusted health providers in their community. They teach thousands
During the month of November, 12 WiRED International community health workers (CHWs) in Kisumu, Kenya, reached an astounding total of 7,160 people with health services. COVID-19 was the primary concern followed closely by malaria, HIV/AIDS and then teenage pregnancy, nutrition, cold and flu, and menstrual hygiene.
In September WiRED CHWs in Kisumu reached a total of 5,382 people, so October saw an increase of 1,778 people. Each of the 12 CHWs met with at least 53 patients a week, and the largest number seen in a week by a CHW was 332.
WiRED International’s board and volunteers wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
This American holiday is about sharing, and this year that must include the sharing of programs and resources to promote good health and to prevent and treat illness. While we give thanks for the blessings in our lives, we also remember the people in need who live in our own communities and around the world. For the fortunate, Thanksgiving means a bountiful meal, but for far too many living in underserved communities this day and every day lead to starvation from food scarcity and to diseases such as COVID-19, malaria and too many others.
Every single WiRED International Community Health Worker (CHW) in Kisumu Kenya, has had at least one episode of malaria and, aside from COVID-19, malaria is the most frequent illness they see in the people they treat in their communities. The following are three testimonials from CHWs describing their own experiences with malaria and their efforts to educate their people locally in how to prevent, recognize and treat the disease.
During the month of September, 12 WiRED International community health workers in Kisumu, Kenya, reached a total of 5,382 people with health services. COVID-19 was the primary concern while other issues addressed included malaria, handwashing, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and first aid.
Throughout Africa, and in nearly all low-income regions around the world, CHWs augment the professional medical corps by offering critical medical and public health services. They provide community health education, basic clinical services, health surveillance, mother and child assistance and much more.
Malaria has plagued humankind from Neolithic times to the modern day. Now, with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) approval of the first vaccine to prevent malaria, there is hope to drastically reduce the numbers of cases and deaths from this ancient disease.
World Heart Day is September 29 — which serves to raise awareness and information about heart well-being, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
WiRED International contributes to the understanding of heart health by offering a wealth of materials on the subject, from providing basic information for general audiences to training nurses in the echocardiographic diagnosis of heart diseases.
Any infection can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening emergency — yet few people know what it is.
Sepsis is a complication of infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The condition constitutes a global healthcare problem, and despite advances in modern medicine such as vaccines, antibiotics and intensive care, it is the primary cause of death from infection, especially in underserved countries.
WiRED’s Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Kisumu, Kenya, continue to educate and strengthen their communities.
In the month of June, 12 WiRED CHWs reached a total of 5,101 people. Although COVID-19 remains an urgent focus, the CHWs addressed issues in their communities as diverse as malaria, nutrition, diabetes and drug abuse. Educating their communities on important steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, such as handwashing and bolstering the immune system, can have a positive impact on reducing other illnesses. This is perfectly illustrated by one of WiRED’s CHWs, who shares this example:
WiRED International is pleased to announce the establishment of the WiRED International Center for Community and Global Health at Claremont Graduate University (CGU). The WiRED Center is affiliated with CGU’s School of Community & Global Health (SCGH).
CGU President Len Jessup, Ph.D., said, “Our WiRED Center provides CGU students and faculty with incredible, unparalleled opportunities in global and community health all around the world, and WiRED’s expertise and programs have been vital during the pandemic in particular.”