f. - UZSpace Home - University of Zululand

dispensary that is highly occasioned by women and children, the selection of
trainees is a communal affair, involving both men and women.
(iv) Fourthly, information on diseases, and other health related problems
encountered at the dispensary, is collected by members of the DHC from the
community during visits and group discussion forums. Although this
information is initially processed manually and recorded in paper files, it is
later synthesized with the help of a computer by the DHC members and
displayed on boards at the dispensary in the form of graphs, pictures, simple
posters and leaflets. According to the AfriAfya respondent, the local
community is educated and made aware of the existing diseases found in
their respective regions and the patterns and trends of the diseases. The use
of a computer to produce posters and simple leaflets, particularly in a local
language, has enabled community mobilization and encouraged good turn
outs for health activities e.g. Immunization.
(v) Fifthly, focus group discussions are then held with the women on
topical issues. Through Rota organized and planned for by the DHC, the use
of Videos has given many more women an opportunity to learn more about
the AIDS scourge and other diseases and preventive measures. Based on
this information, education sessions on preventive measures, family
planning, antenatal visits, immunizations and drug supply are organized
accordingly. The AfriAfya respondent further noted that besides processing
information, DHC members are able to translate information into their own
local language (Kiduruma) for use by the community.
(vi) Sixthly, health information that is sent to the dispensary from the
Hub situated in Nairobi is also downloaded by DHC members at the
dispensary with the help of a World space receiver radio that is connected to
a computer. Information downloaded and found useful is usually
incorporated into health education messages. Some of this information is
useful in forums such as schools and churches. These include educational
sessions and discussion forums from which many women are now getting
lI8