CIWED Ghana Carried Out Community Outreach and Durbar at Ngdigu Community

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 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.