The NBCC coalition and partners DFIF, Amref and Unilever have launched the Hygiene and Behavior Change Communication (HBCC) training targeting frontline healthcare staff. Aiming to train the first line of defense, the trainings will focus on behavior change and infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities and communities in 10 counties. Chosen for their immediate or potential risk to contacting or spreading Covid-19, the 10 target counties include Mombasa, Kwale, Nairobi, Migori, Kisii, Siaya, Homabay, Kakamega, Meru and Embu.
The proposed trainings have been designed to mirror interventions that have been planned as well as showcasing other interventions the project is supporting in the Counties to curb the spread of COVID-19. Implementing Social Behavior Change on personal hygiene and public health measures is the main interventions in curbing the rapid transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To kick-start the trainings, the HBCC teams were in Mombasa and Kwale where they trained over 800 healthcare workers.
At a function to launch the initiative in Muhoroto, Mombasa County on 3rd September, 2020, a high level support was present led by Pauline Oginga, County Chief Officer Public Health- Mombasa County among other senior coalition leaders. Speaking during the event, Ms. Oginga thanked the national government and the coalition and its partners for using Mombasa County to kick-start the IPC and BCC trainings, citing the county has tested over 4300 tests of which 2400 had tested positive. She noted from the positive tests 78 were health care workers and thus this training reaffirms the need for frontline staff to be aware and protected as they perform their duties.
Present from Amref was Mr. Martin Muchangi, Director WASH & NTDs who echoed Ms. Ogingas sentiments noting the awareness and safety of the community health workers remains paramount. He added “As a coalition we are grateful for the frontline staff that have enabled us deliver last mile interventions that have helped keep the Covid-19 curve flat.”
Maggie Rarieya speaking on behalf of the National Business Compact on Corona, emphasized the coalition efforts of bringing the private sector partners, Non-Government organizations and other private networks, together in the fight against Covod-19. Collaborative efforts are the sure way to increase reach and she re-affirmed NBCC’s commitment and role in the roll out of HBCC program
With the IPC and BCC training going to all the 10 counties, follow our journey as we keep tabs on the challenges and success faced by healthcare workers in the fight against Covid-19.
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