Abstract: Informal settlement communities are characterized by overcrowding, high densities and resulting problems of minimal water services and waste removal. Conditions in most of these squatter communities are ripe for disease transmission due to the lack of these basic services. While a number of diseases in the informal settlements are related to the lack of potable water and waste removal, it is estimated that as many as 25 to 33% of residents are infected with HIV/AIDs. For the HIV infected, there is need for training in sanitation, hygiene and preventive practices to help prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, when diarrheal and gastrointestinal infections occur among the HIV infected they may result in more serious bouts of illness. To address the health and sanitation issues of squatter communities, a group of collaborators from universities in the US and Durban, South Africa have developed a comprehensive program which incorporates HIV/AIDS education with issues of sanitation and water resources. We designed and conducted a survey of 300 community residents in order to determine their access to health services and education. We trained program leaders to select and train community health educators. Through a model of community peer education, groups of women and adolescent females that reside in the squatter communities attended workshops to learn how to implement changes in health practices in their living environments. During the summer of 2001, data will be collected on changes in knowledge, sanitation practices and clinic referrals.
Learning Objectives: 1. Assess processes/resources currently in place for health education and prevention in 3 informal settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 2. Develop a community health educator training and education program which includes clean water issues, sanitation and HIV/AIDS prevention, and 3. Apply the lessons of the collaboration of community residents, social workers and international students and faculty for improving the health of informal settlements.
Keywords: Community Education, Peer Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.