Training Community Health Workers in Sonipat, India
During these sessions, Project HOPE also organized a display about “making healthy food choices.” Using traffic light signals and symbols, the community health workers were trained to educate their communities in healthy eating.
Project HOPE is part of a consortium of organizations taking part in Project UDAY, a comprehensive diabetes prevention and management program in India. Project HOPE is responsible for training the dedicated project staff and community health workers and developing patient networks in the municpality of Sonipat, which is near New Delhi.
Project HOPE, in collaboration with the partner organizations and the state government’s health department, held sensitization sessions on diabetes and hypertension prevention and management for Sonipat’s community health workers on June 25th and 30th 2015 in both rural and urban areas of Sonipat.
The events were inaugurated by Dr. J.S. Punica, Chief Medical Officer of the Sonipat district and Dr. Mahender Singh, Deputy Chief Medical of Officer of the Sonipat district. The sessions began with oath taking ceremonies by all of the participants to spread awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention and management among the community, including themselves, their families, friends and other people. Following the oaths were two hours of interactive sensitization trainings.
During these sessions, Project HOPE also organized a display about “making healthy food choices.” Using traffic light signals and symbols, the community health workers were trained to educate their communities in healthy eating. Food items from the region were segregated and displayed. The healthiest food items were placed in the green light zone. Foods to be consumed moderately were placed in the yellow light zone, and foods to be consumed only occasionally were placed in the red light zone. This information was well absorbed by the participating community health workers.
In the coming months, Project HOPE will organize more of these type of sessions in Sonipat and Vishakhapatnam, sensitizing and reinforcing the knowledge and skills needed to prepare community health workers to spread awareness on the importance of preventing or better managing diabetes and hypertension.