In-country activities
Tajikistan | Community events dedicated to World Hypertension Day “Know your Blood Pressure”
Hypertension has been identified by the communities as one of the most common health problems in pilot rayons based on results of the Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) sessions held within the implementation of the Guideline “Partnership with communities on health issues”.
Attracting women, men and children, SDC’s “Enhancing Primary Health Care Services” project (implemented by Swiss TPH and Save the Children) facilitated a series of community events to draw attention to the burden of hypertension on the occasion of World Hypertension Day, which was celebrated on the 17th May 2019. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, local authorities and Community Health Teams led the organization, with the district youth and tourism departments to hold activities in Konibodom, Hamadoni , Vose , Rudaki & Faizobod rayons.
Totally, more than 1300 people in five rayons participated in the events. Out of them nearly 700 people were observed for the blood pressure, height, weight and identifying BMI (body mass index): Konibodom – 400 participants/270 observed, Hamadoni – 237 participants/186 observed, Vose – 255 participants/224 observed, Rudaki – 194 participants/100 observed, Faizabad – 219 participants/187 observed.
Primary health care staff provided free screening for hypertension and its risk factors, with a family doctor providing an overview of the hypertension situation in the district and encouraging prevention and early diagnosis.
Theater and culture workers of the pilot rayons performed a plays on hypertension. Making use of comedy and actively involving the audience, the mechanisms behind hypertension were conveyed in an easy-to-understand way. The play was so well received the concept will be rolled out across other SDC supported districts, involving also Aka Khan Health Services to reach some of the most remote parts of the country
The best drawings and the best essays from competitions and exhibitions of schoolchildren under the slogan “Hypertension by children’s view” were awarded with sport and school items.
Local foods, arts and handicrafts were all made available. The event closed with quizzes, with prizes for the winners. The evaluation concluded that such events can play an important role in awareness raising and the promotion of family medicine. The Community Health Teams will be providing follow-up and continuing to disseminate hypertension information and other materials.
Further resources
Contacts
Mouazamma
Djamalova, Senior Program Officer Health
Swiss Cooperation Office, Tajikistan
Gulara
Afandiyeva
Head of Representative Office of Swiss TPH in Tajikistan
