#multisector

[worldfoodsafetyday]

Recommended actions for policy makers.

- Design all public procurement of food, such as food aid, school feeding and other publicly owned food outlets, so that consumers can access safe and healthy foods.

- Support policy measures and legal frameworks to strengthen the national food safety system and ensure it complies with food safety standards.

- Encourage and engage in multisectoral collaboration at the local, national, regional and global levels.

"Food safety: prepare for the unexpected." World Food Safety Day 2024.

[reasonsforhope]

"The Sierra del Divisor Occidental Indigenous Reserve, created in May 2024, spans over half a million hectares (over 1.2 million acres) in the Peruvian departments of Ucayali and Loreto.

The Indigenous People’s Regional Organization of the Eastern Amazon (ORPIO) described the creation of the reserve as a victory — not only for the Indigenous people who call it home, but also for those who defend human rights and the environment in Peru.

Indigenous activists say the government must now create a protection plan for the reserve in order to guarantee not only the protection of Indigenous people living in isolation and initial contact, but also to support the communities surrounding the reserve in fulfilling their basic needs.

In May 2024, Indigenous organizations in Peru’s Amazon achieved a milestone in a campaign that lasted for almost two decades. Indigenous peoples living in isolation and initial contact (PIACI) will be protected within the recently declared Sierra del Divisor Occidental Indigenous Reserve, a territory they’ve long inhabited — and place where they have historically faced pressures that threaten their existence.

The Indigenous reserve spans 515,114 hectares (over 1.2 million acres) in the Peruvian departments of Ucayali and Loreto. The Peruvian government officially recognized several isolated Indigenous communities that will be protected within the reserve: the Remo (or Isconahua), the Mayoruna (Matsé and Matís), and the Kapanawa.

“We are going to pay attention and fight for the defense of our PIACI brothers and their rights. We want this wonder of the human race, which still exists in this corner of the world in which we live, to be respected for decades,” said Apu Beltrán Sandi Tuituy, the president of the Indigenous People’s Regional Organization of the Eastern Amazon (ORPIO). ORPIO is a collection of 40 Peruvian Indigenous federations and is one of the Indigenous organizations that promoted the creation of the reserve.

In 2005, the Federation of Native Communities of Lower Ucayali (FECONBU), with support from the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Rainforest (AIDESEP), began the process for officially recognizing the Indigenous reserve. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the Multisectoral Commission of Law #27836 — also known as PIACI Law — approved the Preliminary Recognition Study. This study obtains scientific evidence confirming the existence of isolated or recently contacted peoples. The Supreme Decree, which declared the recognition of these particular communities living in isolation, was published in 2019.

A new decree, published on May 22, 2024, states that the goal of the reserve’s declaration is to protect the rights, territory, and conditions that will ensure the existence and integrity of the Indigenous people living in isolation. This includes the use and management of natural resources for their survival.

“The creation of the Sierra del Divisor Occidental Indigenous Reserve represents a victory — not only for the PIACI, but also for those who defend human rights and the environment in Peru. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Indigenous communities and a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving ancestral territories,” said ORPIO."

-via Mongabay News, July 31, 2024

[pannaginip]

AlterMidya on Twitter @altermidya:

PANOORIN: Nagsama-sama ang iba't ibang organisasyon para sa #IWWD2024. Tampok na usapin ang paglaban sa niraratsadang Charter change ng Marcos Jr administration.

2024 Mar. 8

Philippine Collegian, official student publication of UP Diliman, on Twitter @phkule:

NOW: Multisectoral groups march from Vicente Cruz Street to Mendiola to register their calls for wage increase, genuine agrarian reform, and national sovereignty this International Women’s Day.

#IWWD2024 #AbanteBabae

2024 Mar. 8

Katribu on Twitter @katribuphils:

INDIGENOUS AND MORO WOMEN EMBODIED BAI BIBYAON, STOOD AGAINST CHACHA ON INTERNATIONAL WORKING WOMEN’S DAY

Together, they unite under the banner "Kabuhayan, Karapatan, at Kasarinlan, Hindi Charter Change ng Dayuhan at Iilan."

Read the full release here: (FB link)

2024 Mar. 8

[catdotjpeg]

LOOK: Multisectoral groups marched along Commonwealth Avenue earlier today as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa to assail his failed promise of a Bagong Pilipinas [trans. New Philippines]. For the groups, Marcos’s Bagong Pilipinas is a grand sham. Amid promises of better living conditions, 46 percent of Filipinos rated their families as food poor—the highest since 2008—according to the latest survey of Social Weather Stations. “[H]inaharap [ng ating mga kababayan] ang realidad na mataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na ng pagkain—lalo’t higit, ng bigas,” said Marcos in his speech earlier, affirming bleak realities on the ground. On top of a cost of living crisis are poverty wages that fail to meet the family living wage of P1,190, as estimated by economic think tank IBON Foundation, the P35 wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR) enacted last week was dismissed as an “insult to minimum wage workers” by Leticia Castillo of human rights alliance Defend NCR. Such wage hike is far from the P150 raise being lobbied in Congress by labor groups under the National Wage Coalition. Castillo also decried the persistence of red-tagging and vilification of activists perpetrated by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. From July 2022 to June 2024, 3,419,044 cases of threat, harassment, and intimidation were recorded by human rights group Karapatan. The number of political prisoners also climbed to 755 as of last month. These human rights violations run contrary to Marcos’s establishment of a Special Committee on Human Rights, which was labeled “toothless” by Human Rights Watch. Marcos’s claim of a bloodless drug war is also inconsistent with the 359 drug-related killings—34.3 percent of which were committed by state agents—recorded during his second year in office by research project Dahas. Moreover, despite claims of an independent foreign policy, the Philippines under Marcos remains dependent on the US and its unequal treaties, said Liza Maza of MAKABAYAN. Last year, Marcos announced the creation of four new US military bases in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the US. Such treaties with the US have been criticized for intensifying tensions with China and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Clarice Palce of Gabriela and Ronnel Arambulo of Pamalakaya raised their worries of the Philippines being dragged into a stand off between two global superpowers which will only worsen the poor living conditions of Filipinos. The program ended with a symbolic destruction of the effigies of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. The broken UniTeam will be challenged by the Makabayan Coalition which will field a complete senatorial slate including ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro and Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas in the 2025 midterm elections. Photos by AJ Dela Cruz, Marcus Azcarraga, Audrey Sanchez, and Sarah Gates

-- Philippine Collegian, 22 Jul 2024 9:45pm PHT

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

The non-profit that restores the Brazilian Amazon

Organization Rioterra works with socio-environmental and restoration chain projects in the Amazon and has recovered over 6,000 hectares in the Brazilian state of Rondônia alone.

In a world threatened by forest loss and global warming, a non-governmental organization based in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, carries out a persistent daily work against deforestation, bringing the forest back to where it belongs. Rioterra is dubbed the largest restorer of the Brazilian Amazon and is responsible for having restored 6,000 hectares.

Rioterra works with socio-environmental projects, and besides working on reforestation, it has supported the state of Rondônia in developing the climate change law that was approved late last year. Rioterra founding partner & president Fabiana Barbosa (pictured) gave an interview to ANBA during the Rondônia Rural Show, a multisectoral trade show that took place in Ji-Paraná last month.

The nonprofit was founded in 1999, and its work for restoring the Amazon has been developed for over 12 years. “Twenty-three years ago, a group of friends teamed up, and together we founded Rioterra. I was 17,” said Barbosa. The organization has three main areas of activity: reducing social vulnerability, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change by incentivizing reforestation and keeping the forest standing. The ONG has received the title of public interest organization from the Ministry of Justice of Brazil.

“We’ve worked against social vulnerability because for understanding the importance of environmental and biodiversity conservation, those living in the forest first must have their basic needs met. The biodiversity conservation is the environmental area of activity, which now include lines of products where we can get more resources and investments,” said Barbosa.

Continue reading.

[kennys-24]

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.1 Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Promotion and prevention interventions work by identifying the individual, social and structural determinants of mental health, and then intervening to reduce risks, build resilience and establish supportive environments for mental health. Interventions can be designed for individuals, specific groups or whole populations.

Reshaping the determinants of mental health often requires action beyond the health sector and so promotion and prevention programmes should involve the education, labour, justice, transport, environment, housing, and welfare sectors. The health sector can contribute significantly by embedding promotion and prevention efforts within health services; and by advocating, initiating and, where appropriate, facilitating multisectoral collaboration and coordination.

[culturesofresistancefilms]

11/09/2023

Tanzania: Children need more safe spaces from gender-based violence! Where can victims go for refuge? Our friends at Health Integrated Multisectoral Development (HIMD) are championing this cause with their Safe House Program. Mothers turn to HIMD in their most desperate hours, to find safe shelter and protect their daughters from female genital mutilation or child marriage. Since 2008, HIMD has sheltered 285 children, providing them solace and security. We are proud to announce that HIMD is the latest recipient of our Cultures of Resistance Award!

Learn more about their work here:

https://www.instagram.com/himdtanzania/...

Read about our award at:

https://culturesofresistancefilms.com/health-integrated.../

[actioncd]

Leadership in NCD Prevention: Pioneering Efforts for a Healthier Future

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions present some of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires not only effective healthcare strategies but also visionary leadership. Leaders in NCD prevention are at the forefront of pioneering efforts to create a healthier future. This blog explores the critical role of leadership in NCD prevention and highlights key initiatives and strategies driving success.

The Importance of Leadership in NCD Prevention

Leadership in NCD prevention involves setting a clear vision, mobilizing resources, and inspiring action across multiple sectors. Effective leaders understand the complexities of NCDs and are committed to developing comprehensive strategies that address prevention, early detection, and effective management. They foster collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and communities to create an integrated approach to NCD prevention.

Key Leadership Strategies in NCD Prevention

1. Visionary Policy Development

Effective leaders advocate for and develop policies that promote healthy lifestyles and environments. This includes regulations on tobacco and alcohol, initiatives to reduce sugar consumption, and policies that encourage physical activity. For instance, the implementation of smoke-free laws and taxation on sugary beverages are examples of policy measures that have proven successful in reducing NCD risk factors.

2. Multisectoral Collaboration

NCD prevention requires a coordinated effort across various sectors. Leaders in NCD prevention foster partnerships between public health authorities, private sector entities, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. These collaborations ensure a holistic approach, leveraging resources and expertise from different fields to maximize impact. For example, partnerships with schools can promote healthy eating and physical activity among children, setting the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

3. Community Empowerment and Engagement

Empowering communities to take an active role in NCD prevention is crucial. Leaders engage communities through education and awareness campaigns, providing the knowledge and tools necessary for individuals to make healthier choices. Community-based programs that involve local leaders and influencers can be particularly effective in reaching diverse populations. For instance, community health workers can play a pivotal role in delivering education and support for lifestyle changes at the grassroots level.

4. Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure

Leaders committed to NCD prevention prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure. This includes strengthening primary healthcare systems, ensuring access to essential medicines, and enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Investments in healthcare infrastructure not only improve the management of NCDs but also contribute to overall health system resilience. For example, equipping primary health centers with the necessary tools and training for NCD screening and management can significantly improve health outcomes.

5. Innovative Approaches and Technologies

Innovation plays a critical role in NCD prevention. Leaders in this field embrace new technologies and approaches to enhance the effectiveness of prevention and management strategies. Digital health tools, such as mobile health applications and telemedicine, can improve access to care and support self-management of NCDs. Additionally, data analytics and health informatics can provide valuable insights for targeting interventions and monitoring progress.

Pioneering Efforts in NCD Prevention

Global Initiatives

Several global initiatives exemplify leadership in NCD prevention. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, which provides a roadmap for countries to follow. This plan emphasizes the importance of political commitment, multisectoral action, and evidence-based interventions.

National Programs

Countries around the world are implementing innovative programs to combat NCDs. For example, Finland's North Karelia Project is a landmark initiative that significantly reduced cardiovascular disease rates through community-based interventions. Similarly, Mexico's national strategy to combat obesity includes a multifaceted approach involving taxation on sugary drinks, public awareness campaigns, and promotion of physical activity.

Local Success Stories

At the local level, many communities are making strides in NCD prevention through leadership and innovation. For instance, the Healthy New York City initiative focuses on reducing NCD risk factors by promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco cessation. Local leaders and community organizations work together to create environments that support healthy living.

Conclusion

Leadership in NCD prevention is essential for creating a healthier future. Visionary leaders who develop comprehensive policies, foster multisectoral collaboration, empower communities, invest in healthcare infrastructure, and embrace innovation are driving significant progress in the fight against NCDs. By continuing to support and expand these efforts, we can make substantial strides in reducing the burden of NCDs and improving public health outcomes worldwide. At ActioNCD, we are committed to supporting leadership initiatives that pave the way for a healthier, brighter future for all.

[alecsimonson]

What Is Antibiotic Resistance and Why Is It Important?

Antibiotic resistance is also known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and represents one of the biggest threats to public health and development in the world. Bacterial AMR was responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019 and contributed to a further 4.95 million deaths.

The main drivers behind the development of drug-resistant pathogens are the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in plants, animals, and humans.

What Are Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria?

Antimicrobial resistant bacteria are bacteria that aren’t killed or controlled by antibiotics. They can both survive and multiply even when an antibiotic is present. While many types of bacteria that cause infections can gain resistance to some antibiotics, bacteria that’s resistant to many antibiotics are termed multi-resistant organisms (MROs). Furthermore, some types of bacteria have a natural resistance to antibiotics; for example, benzylpenicillin has little effect on most bacteria present in the human gut.

The Devastating Effects of AMR

AMR is responsible for a huge global death toll, and one that is likely to increase unless action is taken. While inequality and poverty exacerbate its consequences and effects, AMR impacts all countries, although middle and low-income nations are most affected. As well as making it harder to treat infections, it makes undertaking many other treatments significantly riskier.

As well as the devastation of disability and death, AMR comes with a huge economic cost, with the World Bank estimating that it could result in around $1 trillion to $3.4 trillion worth of GDP losses per year by 2030 and $1 trillion in additional healthcare costs by 2050.

How Can the AMR Challenge be Tackled?

Those with experience in this field – such as Alec Simonson, who was involved in bioinformatics and neuropharmacological research during his studies – know that one of the most important ways to prevent AMR is to use antibiotics properly. This means reducing the overprescribing of antibiotics and preventing unnecessary use. It’s also important that patients complete the entire course of any antibiotics they are prescribed so the medication will be fully effective and not promote resistance. Good hygiene (such as handwashing) and the deployment of appropriate infection control procedures will also play a key role in tackling AMR.

The Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR was adopted by countries during the 2015 World Health Assembly. Adoptees committed to developing and implementing multisectoral national action plans to tackle AMR, using a One Health approach.

For information about World AMR Awareness Week, take a look at the embedded PDF.

[autodidacticpolymath-blog]

WHO 2019 REPORTS THAT ARE SUSPECT

Antigenic and genetic characteristics of zoonotic influenza viruses and development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness – FEB 2019 – https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/311442/WER9412-151-160.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Taking a Multisectoral, One Health Approach: A Tripartite Guide to Addressing Zoonotic Diseases in Countries – FAO OIE WHO…

[johncystal]

EMERGING ISSUES LECTURE SERIES – Mr Yao Ydo

GSD’s final session of the Emerging Issues Lecture Series was conducted on 5th May 2021 with Guest Speaker – Mr Yao Ydo, Director of UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE-UNESCO), Former Regional Director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa on the topic: “Current Education situation and challenges – The evolution of Education Diplomacy” Here is a short video of Mr Yao Ydo where he talks about his experience and journey with UNESCO and how Covid-19 has affected education.

Read More: https://genevadiplomacy.ch/emerging-issues-lecture-series-mr-yao-ydo/

[wushigod]

The Federal Government of Nigeria, national and international partners have launched an appeal seeking US$306 million to fast-track food assistance, nutrition supplies and services, clean water, healthcare, and protection support to people in severe need during the period. This is just as governors in the northeast region are meeting to strategise on policies to revive the econonies of the six states in the region. This appeal is for a rapid response to the deteriorating food security and nutrition crisis in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states this lean season between May to September 2024, a statement issued by the United Nations Information Center has said. Announcing the release of $11 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund to jumpstart the emergency response, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall said, “I am confident that we have the capacity to address these increased needs in support of Government efforts, what we need now are resources. Joining hands together, pooling resources, to save lives and stop the suffering”. In the BAY states, some 4.8 million people are estimated to be facing severe food insecurity, the highest levels in seven years, according to the Government-led Cadre Harmonisé analysis released in March this year. Children, pregnant and lactating women, older persons, and people living with disabilities are among those who are most vulnerable. The appeal, the lean season food security and nutrition crisis multisector plan, is targeting 2.8 million of these people for urgent interventions. This food and nutrition crisis, which has been compounded by soaring food prices, is primarily due to continued conflict and insecurity in the BAY states, alongside climate change impacts. It threatens to become catastrophic without immediate and coordinated intervention. The prices of staple foods like beans and maize have increased by 300 to 400 per cent over the past year following the removal of the fuel subsidy and the depreciation of the naira. Inflation is outpacing the ability of families to cope, making essential food items unaffordable. “Malnutrition rates are of great concern. Approximately 700,000 children under five are projected to be acutely malnourished over the next six months, including 230,000 who are expected to be severely acutely malnourished and at risk of death if they do not receive timely treatment and nutrition support,” the statement said. Speaking at the launch of the plan, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar said: “The mobilization of funding and resources to address this lean season food security and nutrition crisis envisaged in the north-eastern part of the country is a step in the right direction in complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent the deaths of people as a result of malnutrition-related complications, adoption of negative coping mechanisms and other health related issues among others.” UNICEF is deeply concerned about the escalating food security and nutrition crisis in the BAY states. The alarming rise in severe acute malnutrition among children underscores the urgent need for immediate action. “This year alone, we have seen around 120,000 admissions for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition with complications, far exceeding our estimated target of 90,000. We must ensure that lifesaving nutrition commodities reach every child in need. This is not just a call to action; it is a race against time to save lives and protect the future of millions of vulnerable children,” Dr Rownak Khan, the Acting Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, said. Northeast Governors Meet Governors of the Northeast of the country are strategizing to come up with policies to revive the Boko Haram- ravaged economies of the six states in the region. Governors in the state are putting their hopes in sectors that agriculture and solid minerals to attract investor and rebuild businesses Governor of Borno State Prof. Babagana Zulum, while noting the rising cost of foods...

[catdotjpeg]

LFS and other multisectoral youth organizations and student councils held a press conference against the 17,000-strong US-PH Balikatan military exercises, the largest ever in Philippine history. 

Youth leaders from different sectors--environment, women, indigenous people, farmers, LGBTQ, cultural workers--expressed their unity in resisting the military exercises, which they said will bring the PH closer to the brink of war amid the US-China conflict. 

-- League of Filipino Students, 4 Apr 2023

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

WHO applauds Brazil’s leadership in advancing multisectoral engagement towards ending TB

The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes the new decree by the President of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the establishment of an Interministerial Committee for the Elimination of Tuberculosis and other Socially Determined Diseases (CIEDS).

“Brazil has made rapid progress over the past six months in bringing together nine ministries to prioritize ending TB and address the key drivers of the epidemic. WHO applauds the leadership of H.E. President Lula da Silva in establishing the Interministerial Committee,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme. “This will serve as an inspiration for other leaders. We urge countries to advance efforts to strengthen multisectoral collaboration, and build an effective accountability system on ending TB.”

The Interministerial Committee will be coordinated by the Ministry of Health that is headed by Honorable Minister Dr Nísia Trindade Lima, and will include representatives from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Hunger, Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, Ministry of Racial Equality, Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, Ministry of Justice and Public Security, and Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. The committee will support Brazil's ambitious plan to end TB and address the main drivers of the TB epidemic including poverty, undernutrition, and other vulnerabilities affecting key populations.

Continue reading.

[ohtea3]

Curriculum vs. Community

‘’I feel like I know so much but so little at the same time.’’

Welcome Back to Blog 2, Week 2…  

As you know, I have been working at the Kenville Community for the last 2 weeks, and I think I'm finally getting the hang of things. So, let me walk you through my mornings: At the new clinic, we start the day with Health Promotion sessions, where we stand before the queue, sharing insights about Occupational Therapy (OT) and its role in promoting health. But our work goes beyond just talking. Through individual screenings, we assess various health needs, spanning from prevention to rehabilitation. Whether it's advising mothers on child development, assisting the elderly with pain management, or treating injuries, each interaction contributes to our overarching goal of providing comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC). But what exactly is PHC?

The WHO defines Primary Health Care as ‘’ a whole-of-society approach to effectively organize and strengthen national health systems to bring services for health and wellbeing closer to communities.’’ It is made up of 3 components: Providing integrated health services to meet people's needs throughout their lifespan, tackling underlying factors affecting health through multisectoral action and policy, and encouraging individuals and communities to actively manage their health and well-being.

You can read more about it here:

Kenville Community Clinic, with our OT role, falls under PHC, as it is the first level of contact for individuals and communities to access comprehensive healthcare services for promoting health and well-being, preventing disabilities, and facilitating rehabilitation within the community. We also look at the client's context and try to address determinants of health such as the social (low educational or employment level), economic (low income), and environmental (lack of infrastructure) factors - but more on this next week… Moreover, through education, skill building, and advocacy, we try to promote self-management strategies so the client can manage their own health. These components within the PHC aims for universal health care.

Now you might be thinking, this all sounds great on digital paper, but does my education and training prepare me to work at a community or PHC level?  It's important to note that when talking about my education or the curriculum, we are not only talking about the content of the courses but also the learning opportunities and the execution of this teaching (Oxford Dictionary).

In terms of modules, we only have one community module, in our fourth year, in which we gain practical, hands on experience working at the community level. However, throughout the last 3 years, we have done several lectures related to community-based practice. I -vaguely- remember lectures about the PHC, SDOH, SDGs, cultural sensitivity, and so on, and not only from OT modules but even community-based modules way back in the first year. But to be honest, community, unlike the physical, paediatric, or psychosocial modules, does not only focus on one component of OT. It deals with all 3 aspects in one go; this is due to the diversity of clients and the multiple factors of each case. Thus, an integration of all these modules is required to work at a PHC level; the question then is, was this adequate?

An article by our very own Professor Naidoo highlighted that overall, UZKN final-year students only felt partially prepared to practice OT, that means there is room for improvement within our curriculum. Lets highlight some of the pros and cons here, so we can compare how good or poorly run aspects of our curriculum are, which could possibly be changed to better prepare students to practice at a community or PHC level.

The students preparedness was linked to their perceived ability to adequately apply the OT process and their confidence in applying their newly developed professional skills. Students felt that they had the ability to implement basic therapy; however, their increased confidence and skill were linked to having exposure to previous fieldwork and which experiences they preferred or were positive. Positive and constructive feedback as well as autonomy, promoted a positive experience, while negative feedback had the opposite effect (pro/con). Furthermore, the students were able to adequately assess clients and write down a problem list but struggled with more complex cases. At UKZN, in 2nd year is when OT students learn and practice assessments only; this gives students sufficient time and focus to grasp the first part and most crucial part of the intervention process, which is why students were good at this (pro). However, since physical and psych blocks were taught separately, students typically view them in isolation. This is not good as clients; especially at a community level where clients aren't separated by wards; experiences both physical and psychological problems and need a holistic treatment approach (con).

Due to limited time being observed by supervisors, due to their own caseloads, students found that they did not get adequate supervision and feedback, which is why we sometimes see 4th-year students unable to do basic assessments properly such as using a goniometer, as they were not corrected initially (con). Moreover, students struggle to use theory to guide intervention planning and subsequently to grade sessions/activities. This can be due to many reasons, such as a lack of information or gaps in the teaching curriculum of theoretical work OR students are not taking enough initiative in their learning by either missing lectures, not paying attention in class, not asking questions, or not doing readings (con). UZKN had a culture of racial segregation, which impairs information sharing and peer learning (con)

UZKN uses an interactive educational teaching method that makes use of demonstration, peer learning and discussion, which assist students to integrate theory with practical work (pro). The screening of clients and health promotion projects teaches students to have good handling skills and interpersonal relationships with others (pro). (Naidoo, 2014). This article highlighted that students are able to manage OT practice using the current curriculum, however, improvements can be made such as better training for supervisors to support students effectively, the use of diverse teaching methods to enhance learning, and the promotion of intercultural and interracial interaction among students to foster tolerance and mutual learning, ultimately benefiting their clinical practice.

Another article by Professor Naidoo, highlighted more cons of our curriculum at UKZN related to PHC: The curriculum has a remedial and hospital-based approach, rather than PHC. It also has a medical model focus, as it does not prioritize health promotion, disease prevention and there has also been limited emphasis on MDT collaboration, which deviates from a comprehensive PHC approach (Naidoo, 2016). Additionally, the curriculum does not have adequate training on inter-professional education, and students struggle to find their place in the workplace amongst the other MDTs (such as working with physiotherapists). The curriculum does not prepare you for the administrative tasks required of you, nor does it teach you the procedures of other government departments, new health care policies, or how the DOH operates to secure resources.  Lastly, communication barriers were seen to be a major issue in service delivery; this goes back to first-year Zulu not adequately equipping health science students with the right vocabulary required in practice. The pros within the curriculum included good ethical grounding for practice, which can be used at the community/PHC level (Naidoo, 2017). Furthermore, the article highlighted again that the community block was most beneficial in learning about PHC and increased skills in research, as you had to find solutions to problems seen within the community, which was valued by students.

These findings emphasize the importance of enhancing curriculum content and teaching to better equip occupational therapy graduates for effective practice at PHC and community levels, addressing the identified gaps in preparation and skills needed for diverse practice settings. Whilst the UKZN curriculum has taught us so much about the PHC and community, it can never be enough. I believe that you can never be too prepared, and that you only learn through experience and continuous up-to-date reading, especially in our ever-changing society. 6 weeks in Kenville, is good experience but every community is different. In 2 weeks alone, I feel like alot has changed for me- mainly good things-. Its important to remind ourselves, that although the last few years we have learnt so much, to the point it has changed how we see everyday activities as being more- or is that just me, no?- Being a student comes with that uncertainty, lack of experience and lack of confidence, which is why its okay to feel like you don't know enough sometimes, as long as your open to learning. As my lecturers -loosely- say, ''its impossible to teach you everything within 4 years, being a health science student is being a lifelong learner, there are always more articles, courses, research to do and things to learn!''

Until the next blog

Peace ✌️