WS07 REPORT.pdf - Training and Research Support Centre

2.7 Mentored assignment one : On Public health
This exercise aimed to use the teaching on public health to test how participants will
apply this knowledge. It took the example of developing an action plan for district level to
use resources to address the most important health problems through approaches
outside the curative health services. Students were put in 5 groups mixing the different
institutions. Each group was asked to prepare an plan for a non curative intervention at
district level to manage a health problem in a district. They worked in groups and
presented their plans in a plenary for discussion with guidance from Prof S Rusakaniko
and Dr Loewenson.
Participants developed assignments on the following areas
Group One presented an intervention to reduce asbestosis among Zvishavane Mine
Employees. The intervention presented aimed to sensitize all managers and line
mangers on the effects of asbestosis and make respiratory health an organizational
investment priority. The measures included those to equip them the organization with
workplace safety behavior monitoring skills, training of 500 underground mine
employees on Health Education and Promotion to raise awareness of asbestosis
through literature and visual aides, and an evaulation to gauge the effectiveness of the
intervention
Group Two presented an intervention on Malnutrition in Zaka District. It aimed to identify
the why there is a high prevalence of malnutrition in children under five leading to high
mortality and morbidity rates. It proposed measures to enlist community and partner
participation to enhance nutrition and create sustainable food resources.
Group Three presented an intervention on a Diarrhea Outbreak In Epworth District. It
provided measures to create awareness of the problem amongst key stakeholders,
sensitization stakeholders to take social responsibility for the problem, particularly
through school health masters and community health workers. It included a plan to
develop safe water sources and to promote general and personal hygiene, sanitation
and waste management. The intervention also included promotion of oral rehiyrdration
solution and of food hygiene.
Group 4’s presentation was on Rabies in Mangwe District: The group proposed
measures to eliminate rabid dogs and reduce the number of people bitten by dogs in
Mangwe district by 2010 by reducing contact between dogs and wildlife animals and
reducing rabid dogs in the district. Their actions involved fencing of homesteads,
securing game reserve fences, strict enforcement of by laws on poaching and building
consensus through advocacy, vaccination of dogs, educating the community on rabies
and rabies surveillance.
Group 5 presented an intervention to deal with a cholera outbreak in Kwekwe Amaveni
suburb. They outlined the context of the area in terms of the density of living conditions,
poor waste disposal, overcrowding, bursting of sewage pipes, dumpsites located near
houses, erratic water supplies and vegetable and fruit markets located where there are
no toilets and water toilets. Their actions included dialogue with city fathers on
relocation of dumpsites. repair of burst sewer pipes, regular collection of garbage and
improved water supplies. They also proposed upgrading the vegetable market standards
and carrying out public awareness campaigns.
The group assignments were reviewed by the students and the facilitators and feedback
given on each.
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