Project title: Disease Awareness Creation and Screening Project
Project information
- Location: Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Beneficiaries: The Community
- Beneficiaries Served: 10,000
- Start Date: November , 2020
- End Date: September, 2022
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Partners:
- Bahir Dar University Vice president for Research and community service Office
- Kidanmihret Speciallity Clinic
- Felege Hiwot Comprehenisve Specialized Hospital
In Ethiopia, where healthcare institutions often face shortages of resources and medical personnel, disease prevention is a critical pillar for maintaining community health. Studies show that communicable and non-communicable diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Our Disease Awareness Creation and Screening Project was established to address these challenges by focusing on community-based prevention, screening, and health education efforts.
1. Project Overview:
For over two years, our project has aimed to educate communities on disease prevention, provide essential screenings, and link high-risk individuals to treatment services. Research demonstrates that awareness campaigns and early screening can reduce disease burdens by 30-40% in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. We utilized these findings to maximize outreach and ensure sustainable health outcomes for the populations we served.
2. Communicable Diseases:
We focused extensively on communicable diseases due to their prevalence in the country. Research conducted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health shows that diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are widespread, particularly in urban and peri-urban communities. For example, HIV prevalence in Ethiopia is estimated at 0.9% nationally, but it can be much higher in specific regions like Bahir Dar, where risk factors are more concentrated.
- HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C Screening: Our project provided confidential testing, risk assessment, counseling, and linkage to healthcare services for individuals testing positive. Counseling included information on prevention, safe behaviors, and treatment adherence for those living with the diseases. Education efforts also focused on reducing stigma, as research shows that stigma remains a significant barrier to early detection and treatment for these diseases.
3. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
Non-communicable diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension are rapidly increasing in Ethiopia due to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and dietary habits. According to the World Health Organization, more than 20% of Ethiopia’s adult population has elevated blood pressure, and diabetes rates are rising alarmingly.
- Diabetes and Hypertension Screening: We offered free screenings for these chronic conditions, paired with life skills education to promote long-term lifestyle changes. Many individuals in rural and semi-urban areas are unaware of their hypertensive or diabetic status, making early detection crucial. Our program emphasized lifestyle modification, teaching participants about balanced diets, physical activity, and the risks associated with tobacco and alcohol use—factors that are particularly problematic in communities where substance use is prevalent.
- Counseling and Treatment Adherence: For those who tested positive, we provided personalized education on disease management, treatment adherence, and strategies to prevent complications. Studies show that consistent patient education increases adherence to medication regimens by up to 50%, improving health outcomes significantly.
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4. Community Support:
A vital aspect of our work involved supporting the Bahir Dar Diabetes Association, which plays a key role in the region’s diabetes care. The association helps diabetic patients access discounted medications, participate in continuous health education programs, and receive emotional support. Research shows that peer-to-peer education, where newly diagnosed patients learn from those managing the disease for decades, improves coping strategies and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Free Health Services: We collaborated with the association to offer regular blood sugar and blood pressure checks, along with health education sessions covering diet management, routine checkups, and complication prevention. This approach not only improved disease management but also fostered a supportive community among patients.
5. Results:
Since the project’s inception, it has made a notable impact on public health in Bahir Dar and surrounding areas:
- Over 20,000 individuals were screened for various diseases based on their risk profiles.
- Millions were reached through awareness campaigns that helped dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote healthier lifestyles.
- Hundreds of individuals were linked to healthcare providers for follow-up care, ensuring access to essential services.
The project’s success can be attributed to its community-centered approach, which leveraged local knowledge, healthcare professionals, and peer educators. Studies suggest that such integrated health promotion models can reduce the prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases by up to 30%, particularly in low-resource settings.
6. Future Plans:
While the project has concluded in Bahir Dar, we are actively planning to relaunch in Mizan Aman, Ethiopia, a region with similar healthcare challenges. Building on the lessons learned from Bahir Dar, we aim to scale up our efforts, expanding the scope of diseases covered and including additional conditions such as cervical cancer screening, aligned with the country’s evolving health priorities.
Our focus remains on creating community-driven solutions that address both disease prevention and treatment. Through partnerships with local health institutions, government bodies, and international donors, we aim to expand our reach and make lasting health improvements in underserved communities.