CIWED Ghana’s Participated in the Measles-Rubella and Vitamin A Vaccination Campaign in Nanton District

CIWED Ghana’s Participated in the Measles-Rubella and Vitamin A Vaccination Campaign in Nanton District

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

CIWED Ghana, in collaboration with the Nanton District Health Directorate, actively participated in the Measles-Rubella and Vitamin A Vaccination Campaign held on the 10th of June 2024. The initiative aimed to enhance the health and immunity of children under five years of age by ensuring they received critical vaccinations and Vitamin A supplementation. This campaign aligns with CIWED Ghana’s commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes as part of its broader strategic objectives.
The primary objectives of the campaign were to immunize children under five years against measles and rubella to prevent outbreaks of these diseases, provide Vitamin A supplementation to enhance the immune system and reduce child mortality and sensitize communities on the importance of routine immunization and child health services.
CIWED Ghana played a pivotal role in the success of the campaign by undertaking the following activities:

Organized community meetings in collaboration with local leaders to inform parents and caregivers about the campaign. Disseminated information using local radio stations and community information centers, and distributed flyers and posters in local languages to ensure effective communication.

Over 90% of the targeted children under five years in the Nanton District were vaccinated against measles and rubella and approximately 85% of children received Vitamin A supplementation, significantly boosting their nutritional status.

The Measles-Rubella and Vitamin A Vaccination Campaign in Nanton District was a significant step toward improving child health outcomes in the region. CIWED Ghana’s participation was instrumental in the campaign’s success, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to addressing maternal and child health challenges in underserved communities. Moving forward, CIWED Ghana will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable health interventions in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Meningococcal Vaccine Outreach at Sandu Community

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On August 12th 2024, CIWED Ghana conducted a community outreach at Sandu focused on the importance of the Meningococcal vaccine for children at 18 months. The event aimed to raise awareness and improve understanding of child immunization, particularly for children under five years of age.

The outreach attracted active participation from the Sandu community, with 28 women and 10 men in attendance. During the session, participants received comprehensive information about the critical role of the Meningococcal vaccine in preventing life-threatening infections in young children from the community nurse in charge of Sandu health facility. The interactive nature of the session encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to ask questions and share their thoughts on child immunization.

The discussion highlighted the community’s strong interest in health education, particularly among the mothers, who were highly engaged throughout the session. Many expressed their desire for more frequent educational activities of this nature, advocating for at least two sessions per month.

Way Forward:
In response to the positive feedback and the community’s expressed need, CIWED Ghana will look at their plans to see if their request to increase the outreach activities in the Sandu area could be mat. Going forward, these outreach sessions will be conducted to ensure sustained engagement and continuous education on crucial health topics, including child immunization.

This initiative is part of CIWED Ghana’s ongoing GAVI PSR 2 project with commitment to improving public health knowledge and practices in rural communities, with a specific focus on maternal and child health.

CIWED Ghana Carried Out Community Outreach and Durbar at Ngdigu Community

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On May 7, 2024, CIWED Ghana organized a durbar at the Ngdigu community to discuss critical health topics related to immunization for children under five. The event covered several key areas, including:

  1. Health education
  2. Importance of immunization
  3. Growth monitoring
  4. Side effects following immunization and their management

During the durbar, community members and caregivers were educated on the significance of immunization, child growth and development, and managing potential side effects following immunization. The session emphasized that immunization schedules extend beyond the 14-week mark, noting that the measles-rubella vaccine (MR1) and the yellow fever vaccine are administered at 9 months, while the second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine (MR2) and the meningococcal A vaccine are given at 18 months. Additionally, Vitamin A supplementation continues until the child reaches 5 years of age.

The discussions highlighted the importance of complete immunization in preventing diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, yellow fever, and meningitis.

Community members and caregivers had the opportunity to ask questions, which were addressed comprehensively. Demonstrations were provided on managing post-immunization fever in children, including the technique of tepid sponging.

In his submission, the Executive Director of CIWED Ghana, Mr. Baako Abdul-Fatawu, emphasized that mothers should adhere to their postnatal schedules and not overlook them, as this has direct and significant consequences for both children and mothers. He also indicated that the facilities and health staff are there to support the community, and urged the attendees to actively engage with health issues affecting them and their children to ensure good health and growth for future leaders of the nation.

The durbar proved to be an informative and engaging session for all participants.

Commissioning of a Constructed Six-Unit Classroom Block with Auxiliary Facilities

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On July 10, 2024, CIWED Ghana commissioned a newly constructed six-unit classroom block for Kpatiya and its surrounding communities in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region. This project, which began in November 2022 and concluded in December 2023, was funded by the Embassy of Japan in Ghana.

CIWED Ghana’s vision was to create an environment where every child in Kpatiya and neighboring communities can access quality education and where parents feel comfortable sending their children. The newly inaugurated six-unit classroom block, equipped with modern amenities, symbolizes hope and opportunity. It provides a conducive teaching and learning environment, enabling children to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential.

In addition to the classroom block, auxiliary facilities have been constructed to ensure a holistic educational experience. These include a staff common room, a library, and sanitation facilities, all designed to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for both students and teachers.

This project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of many individuals and organizations. CIWED Ghana extends its deepest gratitude to the Embassy of Japan for their financial support, which was crucial for the construction of these facilities.

The new educational infrastructure will have a lasting positive impact on the community, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

CIWED Ghana Holds Community Outreach to Sensitize Zoonayili Community on the Importance of Child Immunization

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On April 29, 2024, CIWED Ghana organized an immunization campaign and educational outreach in the Zoonayili community to emphasize the importance of immunizing children. The topics covered during the outreach included:

  1. Immunization schedule
  2. The PENTA 3 vaccine
  3. Measles
  4. Rubella
  5. Outreach efforts
  6. Immunization for children from 6 to 10 weeks

The outreach officer Mohammed Ziblim (MZ) observed that caregivers often stop bringing their children for immunization after the initial doses, particularly the 14-week immunization. During the session, the officer stressed that immunization does not end at 6 weeks and that children need to continue receiving vaccines until they are five years old to be fully protected.

Caregivers were informed that children who only receive immunizations between 6 and 10 weeks are not fully immunized and remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. To be fully protected, children must receive all scheduled vaccines, starting from BCG and OPV.0 up to Measles-Rubella (2), with the final dose at 18 months. Full immunization protects against diseases such as Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae, inactivated polio vaccine, measles, and yellow fever.

The outreach officer also educated caregivers on the potential side effects of immunizations, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain at the injection site, which can vary from child to child. Management of these side effects was discussed, including using lukewarm water and a towel to soothe a fever, starting from the child’s feet to the head.

Mr. Baako Abdul-Fatawu, the Executive Director of CIWED Ghana, urged women to be proactive in seeking good healthcare for their children, emphasizing that the future leaders of the community must be protected at all costs. He highlighted that good health is essential for a good life and education, and the absence of these elements can lead to dire consequences for society.

The outreach concluded around with a Q&A session. One caregiver asked how to manage swelling after immunization. The officer advised using a cold compress by wrapping ice in a clean rag and applying it to the swollen area until it subsides.

The outreach officer expressed gratitude to CIWED Ghana for supporting and facilitating the event and the immunization session.

CIWED Ghana Constructed a Mechanized Borehole for Kpatiya Community

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

In a concerted effort to address the water scarcity issues faced by the Kpatiya community in the Central Gonja District of the Savanna Region of Ghana, CIWED Ghana, with funding support from the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, successfully constructed a new mechanized borehole facility. This initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to improving access to clean and safe water for underserved communities.

The Kpatiya community has historically struggled with inadequate access to potable water, impacting health, hygiene, and overall quality of life. Prior to this intervention, residents primarily relied on distant and often unsafe water sources, which posed significant health risks and time burdens, particularly for women and children.

CIWED Ghana extends its deepest gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Ghana for their generous support and partnership in this vital project. We also acknowledge the cooperation and enthusiasm of the Kpatiya community, whose involvement was crucial to the project’s success.

The construction of the mechanized borehole in Kpatiya is a testament to the positive impact of international collaboration and community-driven development. CIWED Ghana remains committed to fostering sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities across the region.

CIWED GHANA HOLD A CAPACITY BUILD ING AND RESOURCING OF COMMUNITY HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN IMMUNIZATION SERVICES

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On April 18, 2024, CIWED Ghana hosted an orientation for community health volunteers focused on GAVI PSR 2 immunization services. The aim was clear: to empower volunteers in mobilizing communities and utilizing community registers to gather data on caregivers and children. Their mission? To ensure caregivers and children receive immunization services and to assist CIWED in organizing immunization campaigns and education at markets and lorry stations. Throughout the sessions, volunteers were introduced to the community register for immunization and trained on its effective administration and utilization.

CIWED GHANA HOLD A CAPACITY BUILD ING AND RESOURCING OF COMMUNITY HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN IMMUNIZATION SERVICES

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On April 18, 2024, CIWED Ghana hosted an orientation for community health volunteers focused on GAVI PSR 2 immunization services. The aim was clear: to empower volunteers in mobilizing communities and utilizing community registers to gather data on caregivers and children. Their mission? To ensure caregivers and children receive immunization services and to assist CIWED in organizing immunization campaigns and education at markets and lorry stations. Throughout the sessions, volunteers were introduced to the community register for immunization and trained on its effective administration and utilization.

CIWED GHANA CARRIED OUT A COMMUNITY ENTRY TO KICK START THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GAVI PSR 2 PROJECT IN NANTON DISTRICT

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On 26th March, 2024, CIWED Ghana initiated the execution of the GAVI-Program Support Rationale (PSR) for CSOs Cash Based Support Project (Year 2). Commencing with a community entry procedure, the project engaged in dialogue with the health directorate to fortify collaborative efforts and strategically identify target communities for project intervention.

The community entry process was successfully conducted, although the absence of the district health director delayed certain crucial decisions. The officer leading the initiative preferred to wait for the director’s input before finalizing the selection of five communities or health facilities where CIWED Ghana planned to implement the program. Unfortunately, due to multiple postponements, the meeting was rescheduled twice, ultimately pushing it to the first week of April and causing delays in starting program activities. Once the district health director was available, a meeting took place with the health director of Nanton and the district diseases control office. Together, we finalized the selection of communities and facilities for the program.

CIWED GH Holds Youth-Focused Durbar on Positive Gender Norms, Roles, and Responsibilities related to SRMNCAH+N

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On the 26th February, 2024, at Zoagu, a community in Nanton District, CIWED GH held a durbar of youth, and women to educate and empower them on positive gender norms, roles, and responsibilities concerning their Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (SRMNCAH+N). The durbar was organised in collaboration with the district directorate of the Ghana Health Service. Facilitating the sessions on positive gender norms, the research fellow of CIWED Ghana Mr. Issah Aminu Danaa put more emphases on equality, respect, and empowerment. He also tailored his discussions on the need to stop harmful stereotypes and promote healthy behaviors related to SRMNCAH+N especially SRHR related issues. The engagement witnessed encouraging and active participation, where youth shared experiences and perspectives on gender dynamics in their communities. They shared their view that, role-playing fostered understanding of respectful communication, consent, and shared decision-making.  The representative of the community health facility in Zoau, also made oral presentation touching on family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence prevention. Participants were equipped with practical resources to promote informed decision-making and healthy practices. During an open forum session, participants were encouraged dialogue between youth, community leaders, and health experts to address concerns and identify solutions. Stakeholders collaborated to devise strategies for promoting positive gender norms and advancing SRMNCAH+N outcomes.

The event increased awareness and understanding among over 200 youth regarding positive gender norms and their relevance to SRMNCAH+N. They were also empowered to challenge stereotypes and advocate for gender equality within their communities. The community were also strengthened towards improving SRMNCAH+N outcomes. Knowledge and capacity was enhanced among youth to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

In conclusion, the youth-focused durbar organized by CIWED GH served as a pivotal platform for promoting positive gender norms and empowering youth to champion SRMNCAH+N in Nanton Districts. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and education, the event contributed to building a more equitable and healthy future for communities.