"Umuhimu wa Kuripoti Tetesi za Afya Kupitia Jamii Shirikishi : Mwongozo wa S-dsr kwa Jamii kuhusu Magonjwa Yanayoibuka na Kuibuka tena"

 "The Importance of Reporting Health Alerts through Trusted Channels: A Guide for Communities on Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases"

FLOW CHAT SOURCE: EBS EVENT TRAINING 

Introduction:

Emerging and re-emerging diseases pose a significant threat to global health, and communities must be prepared to respond to health alerts in an effective and timely manner. To prevent the spread of these diseases, it's important for communities to understand the importance of reporting health alerts through trusted channels, such as community health workers, and to avoid misinformation. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to report health alerts and why relying on trusted sources is so important.

Step 1: Report to community health worker:

Community members are the first line of defense when it comes to identifying potential outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging diseases. If you suspect that you or someone in your community has been exposed to a disease, you should report this to a trusted community health worker as soon as possible. Community health workers are trained to assess the situation and provide advice on the next steps to take.

Step 2: Report to ward health officer:

Once a health alert has been reported to a community health worker, they will then report it to the ward health officer. The ward health officer is responsible for monitoring the health of their local community, and they will use their training and expertise to determine whether the report is credible and requires further investigation.

Step 3: Report to facility IDSR focal point for verification:

The ward health officer will then report the health alert to the facility IDSR focal point, whO is responsible for verifying the information and determining whether there is a need for further action. The IDSR focal point will use its training in surveillance and outbreak investigation to assess the situation and determine whether there is a risk to public health.

The dangers of relying on misinformation:

It is important to rely on trusted sources, such as community health workers and health authorities, when it comes to reporting health alerts. Relying on misinformation, such as false information found on social media and other online platforms, can be dangerous when it comes to health alerts. Misinformation can lead to confusion and panic and can prevent individuals from seeking medical attention when they need it. In some cases, misinformation can even cause harm, as people may follow incorrect advice or take unproven treatments.

Reporting Timelines

 

CHW may notify the supervisor/Ward Health Officer/Health facility  regarding a public health threat through a phone call, SMS, or in-person within 24 hours of detection

Supervisors/Ward HO/ HF IDSR FP conduct triage and gives feedback to the CHW

Health Facility IDSR FP will conduct verification within 24 hours of notification and fills in details in the alert register and give feedback to the CHW.

Ward HO immediately notify the Health facility focal point  of events (within 6 hours of verification

 

Health Facility IDSR focal person or in charge will notify the district for rapid risk assessment (within 6 hours of verification)

 

The District conducts a rapid risk assessment of the event and files a report within 24 hours of notification

 

The alert desks at regional and national levels will do follow-up within 24 hours of notification of an alert

 

Conclusion:

Reporting health alerts through trusted channels, such as community health workers and health authorities, is crucial in preventing the spread of emerging and re-emerging diseases. By following the steps outlined in this article, communities can help ensure that they are receiving accurate information and taking the necessary steps to protect their health. Let's work together to raise awareness about the importance of relying on trusted sources and avoiding misinformation, and to ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to stay healthy.

NB:  THIS IS JUST AN ADVISORY TEMPELTE THAT WE ARE LOOKING INTO  USING THE AFYA DATA APP TO UTILIZE IN A PILOT IN LATE 2023