The Drum Beat 127: Suriname - Health Communication

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SURINAME - HEALTH

1. At present Suriname's population of 450,000 is faced with a range of socio-economic problems that seriously threaten the health of the population, and especially the health of women and children. A recent survey conducted by UNICEF indicates that poverty - those living below the poverty line - is 52% in urban areas, 61% in rural areas and 91% in the interior. As with other parts of the Caribbean, there has been a shift from acute illness and infectious diseases to social morbidities caused or exacerbated by individual risk taking behaviour and also by environmental factors. Addressing challenges such as HIV/AIDS, dengue and other lifestyle-related diseases depends primarily upon social change. Interventions must address family and community issues, and there is an urgent need for innovative educational approaches spanning generational and cultural gaps. People in Suriname have widespread access to mass media - 90% of the population in the coastal areas and Paramaribo have access to radio and television, and there is widespread access to radio in the interior.

SURINAME - HEALTH COMMUNICATION

2. Healthy Schools Project - The project was initiated upon the requests made from various schools asking for assistance in upgrading the sanitation facilities that resulted in poor hygiene amongst many of the students. Activities included surveying 10 schools in 3 districts on water and sanitation, renovations at 2 selected schools of the water supply facilities, washrooms and toilet facilities, and playground drainage, newspaper articles, and poster displays. At the start of the new school year, PAHO organized and conducted training workshops for all teachers on school sanitation and hygiene education. Contact Adrianus (Ton) Vlugman vlugmana@sur.paho.org

3. Evaluation of the National Immunisation Programme - The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the current status of planning, organisation and execution of services of the immunisation programme. The strengths, weaknesses and the factors that facilitate and hinder the achievement of objectives of the programme were also defined. The data gathered has been used for timely decision making and to develop a five year plan of action toward strengthening the programme. Contact Primnath Ritoe ritoepri@sur.paho.org

4. Out of School Youth and HIV/AIDS Perceptions - this project obtained information about perceptions of HIV/AIDS by out-of-school youth (ages 11-21) in the Districts of Marowijne, Nickerie, Paramaribo, Brokopondo, and Sipaliwini. A total of 133 youth, 70 boys and 63 girls, participated in 15 focus group discussions. The main obstacle to the use of condoms appears to be the negative meanings (mistrust, admission of illness) that are attached to condom use. The study clearly indicated the need for HIV/AIDS prevention programs to reach out-of-school youth. Accurate and complete information using appropriate media such as films or social marketing were identified as possible solutions to reverse the negative trends identified. Contact Dr. Carol Vlassoff vlassoff@sur.paho.org

5. Malaria Microscopy Training - With the low level of laboratory training in Suriname, and low levels of literacy, a unique methodology had to be taken in training. Manuals for 2 6-week long workshops were adapted to a primarily visual and practical presentation to accommodate the moderately literate participants. Microscopy was targeted since it is thought to be the most significant portion of early diagnosis and treatment. 100% of the participants passed the training. Contact Dr. Marthelise Eersel eerselmar@sur.paho.org

6. Bed Net Projects - The success of this programme lies in the awareness raised among people about the prevention of malaria, and the empowerment of women's groups. As a part of WHO's Roll Back Malaria Programme, PAHO gave technical advice and expertise to a project initiated by the Medical Mission to promote impregnated bed nets in the interior of Suriname through community participation. Private donations of bed net material, sewing machines and insecticides were brought to women's groups in the interior. The women's groups were trained to make and impregnate the nets for hammocks and beds. Upon construction, the nets were sold to villagers and the profits were used to purchase more materials. Contact Dr. Marthelise Eersel eerselmar@sur.paho.org

7. Inter-religious Health Committee (IGC) - In October 1998, a conference was held on health and religion where different religious groups made presentations, and committed to proceed on joint activities. Participating religious groups included Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Baha'i. Similarities in attitudes towards health were identified and the IGC was created. A pamphlet called "Religion & Health" was produced, containing health statements that were backed and supported by all religious leaders. The statements covered topics including nutrition, society, hygiene, family life and social behaviours with a focus on health promotion. Other activities have included the publication of a reference book on religious ideas and traditions about healthy lifestyle and preparations for a campaign for healthy living. Contact Elly van Kanten vankante@sur.paho.org

8. Capacity Building for HIV/AIDS Care - this project creates a partnership between the Surinamese HIV/AIDS organisation - Claudia A Foundation, and the Canadian organisation - Dalhousie University to work together to reduce the social impact of HIV/AIDS in Suriname. Capacity building at every level of Claudia A benefits both staff and clients through administrative upgrading and training, restructuring management, creating support groups, meeting basic care, and sanitation needs, building sustainable fund-raising strategies and establishing a viable volunteer programme. Contact Dr. Carol Vlassoff vlassoff@sur.paho.org

9. Food Safety Activities - this programme aims to engage government and private sector organisations in a common discussion on food safety policies and practices. The first collaboration meeting between private sector and government on this issue met in March 2001. The respective needs and expectation of both public and private sector participants were discussed. Activities have included: training of food handlers and street vendors; campaigns through TV and radio; weekly safety tips in local newspapers; and distribution of posters and stickers with food safety tips. Contact Caroline Gilds francis_cor@yahoo.com

10. Global Restructuring of RGD & Community Participation in Primary Health Care - Within the restructuring project of the RGD, one of the main accomplishments was to initiate community participation in Primary Health Care. In each district of the coastal regions targeted, a Community Participation committee was established, which set priorities for management of health issues and mobilized the community members to impact their own communities. Participation was also promoted through local health fairs, with the cooperation of government and NGOs. A contest was established where school youth submitted unique proposals for plans to mobilize their community members. In one of the districts in the East of the country, UNICEF took over the initiative and with the help of the Community Participation committee conducted a training for Village Health Assistants in the smaller villages alongside the river. Contact Elly van Kanten vankante@sur.paho.org

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Many thanks to Brooke Hayes for her support with this issue of The Drum Beat. 

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