SOUTH DAYI HEALTH DIRECTORATE HOLDS ITS 2ND QUARTER RISK COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (RCCE)COMMITTEE MEETING

On May 13, 2024, the South Dayi District Health Directorate’s (SDDHD) Kpeve office hosted the second quarter meeting of the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Committee.

The South Dayi District Health Director, Mr. Kolog Timbire Jonas, gave a welcome speech to the committee members and expressed gratitude for their assistance in helping the directorate to ensure that all four quarter meetings were held last year.
He complimented the district’s health workers’ dedication and the committee members’ commitment for the noteworthy accomplishment the Directorate achieved last year.

The Head of  Health Promotion Unit (SDDHD), Mrs. Happy Alonu, provided an overview of the following activities that the unit completed in the first quarter:
1. Net registration: 36,000 homes were given treated mosquito nets, which also oversaw their distribution and sensitization.
2. Schedule health screenings for diabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, hypertitis B, and other conditions that are closely linked and have been on the rise recently on 6^th March 2024

3. In honor of World Tuberculosis Day, the Directorate raised awareness about the disease, identified patients, and provided treatment for those who met the criteria; patients who required more care were referred to the main hospitals.

4. Wellness clinics were geared toward increasing public awareness, and the main takeaway was that people should go to hospitals on a regular basis rather than just when they’re sick.

People with catalyst were screened for eye problems in different communities, and as of 2^nd quarter, four people’s eyes have been restored.

Nutrition Head (SDDHD) Mrs Joyce Kuwanu reported that the unit conducted food demonstrations in a few communities in addition to organizing sensitization programs and offering nutrition counseling.
Compared to the national target of 48.5%, the turnout of pregnant women during the Antenatal Care was low, ranging from 35% to 36 weeks.
Additionally, she brought up the issue of pregnant women attending ANC experiencing an increase in high blood pressure and anemia. As a result, men were charged with accompanying their pregnant wives to ANC and encouraging them to have a balanced, healthy diet in order to manage their blood level.

During her briefing on family planning, Mrs. Senam Fiagbenya, the Public Health Nurse (SDDHD), listed the various strategies the unit has implemented, including the formation of clubs in communities and schools to educate couples and youth about delaying sex until marriage or using family planning. She also brought up the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the district, pointing out that as of the first quarter of 2024, the district recorded 55 cases of teenage pregnancies, with the breakdown being as follows: i. 10 – 14 years old = 14 pregnancies, 15 – 19 years old = 41 pregnancies ii. Peki 6.8%, Kpeve 2.5%, Dzake 13.5%, Tongor 14.5% and Dugar 25%.

Mr. Kolog stated that the situation is quite alarming, a committee of three people was formed to investigate the causes, consult with relevant stakeholders, and submit a report to the house with suggestions for further action.

Speaking to the health, security and safety of the district’s health personnel was Mr. Edmund Amenyo, Human Resource Manager for SDDHD. He told the house that eighteen health staff had been assigned to the district the previous year. By the second quarter of 2024, none of the eighteen staff members could remain, so they all accepted reposting because of  high housing costs, poor road network and for nurses to accept postings to remote areas.

She therefore pleaded to the Assembly the traditional authorities to do something about the situation.

On disease Control and Surveillance Mr. Siaw Kwakye presented the report of activities of  1^st quarter of 2024 as follows:

Five measles cases have been reported following a negative test result.
There are no reports of yellow fever.
There are no documented cases of polio.
Six of the 25 cases of tuberculosis that were reported had positive tests.
Covid 19: No cases were found.
In the district, 46% of the population received the full Covid 19 dose, while 59.4% received the booster shot.

Committee Chairman Mr. Kolog thanked all of the committee members for their ideas, comments, and most importantly, their complete cooperation, in his closing remarks.
All things considered, the RCCE quarter committee meeting provides a forum for planning and organizing initiatives to improve risk communication and community involvement in the context of public health