2021 in Review
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In 2019 and 2020, we tested our life-saving Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program in four countries, then launched the first program in Kenya in
Tag: 2021
Update from WiRED’s Community Health Workers in Kenya
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WiRED International’s community health workers (CHWs) in Kisumu, Kenya, are now established, trusted health providers in their community. They teach thousands
Thank you for supporting our Community Health Worker Training Program
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As the holidays near, we at WiRED International want to thank you for your
We Value Your Donations to Help Us Train Community Health Workers
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In 2022 WiRED International begins our 25th year of delivering health education to low-resource regions. Our goal over the next several years is to increase our Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program in underserved regions. CHWs are becoming increasingly critical in places where doctors and nurses are scarce and where the burden of disease is growing. WiRED’s World Health Organization-compliant curriculum prepares CHWs and expands their skills through a continuing medical education program.
Update from WiRED Community Health Workers in Kenya
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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 Marks World AIDS Day on December 1
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The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS.” The tagline recognizes the growing disproportion in access to essential HIV services. Tragically, populations in Africa are most severely affected, where nearly one in every 25 adults lives with HIV, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the people living with HIV worldwide.
This year underserved communities again face greater risk for HIV infection and AIDS-related deaths as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment and care services. Further, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that HIV infection increases the risk of severe and critical COVID-19.
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): A Killer of Marginalized Populations
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Winter brings seasonal increases in strep throat, a bacterial infection which if not treated with an antibiotic can lead to rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and even death.
Although RHD is completely preventable, it affects 39 million people worldwide, many of them children in low-resource countries.
WiRED International has long targeted RHD. Nearly a decade ago, we started to develop a suite of programs designed to educate and curb the spread of the infection.
A Thanksgiving Message from WiRED International
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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.
WiRED Releases Diphtheria Modules
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Diphtheria — a disease generally easy to prevent and nearly eradicated globally — is making a comeback because of its growing resistance to antibiotics — although antibiotics are still the go-to treatment of choice.
WiRED International now offers two diphtheria modules: one for general audiences and one for health professionals. The modules describe diphtheria, its causes, transmission, risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and vaccination.
WiRED Community Health Workers Battle Malaria
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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.