World Vision's Commitment to Comprehensive Health Education for Children
B: Lerato Brown. Communications and Marketing Manager, Lesotho
In a dedicated effort to uplift communities and prioritize the holistic well-being of children, World Vision International Lesotho, through its Health, HIV, and Nutrition Technical Programme, is proud to have played a pivotal role in supporting a transformative health initiative in the communities of Ha- Setho and Ha- Ramorakane impacting the lives of adolescents and youth.
This initiative undertaken in collaboration with the Maseru District Health Management Team (DHMT) and The Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL), focused on providing vital health education on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV, and TB for adolescents, coupled with Human papillomavirus( HPV) vaccination for young girls aimed at providing comprehensive health education, promote Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and address prevalent health challenges among adolescents and youth. This support was extended to the communities of Ha-Setho and Ha-Ramorakane at Matukeng health center, one of the three (3 ) health centers supported by World Vision in Rothe Area Programme during a special 'Back-to-School' commemoration event.
Educational Empowerment
World Vision's Health, HIV, and Nutrition Technical Programme have been instrumental in providing crucial health education on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV, and TB to empower adolescents with knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their health. By imparting knowledge and fostering awareness, adolescents are empowered to make informed decisions about their health, paving the way for a healthier future.
HPV Vaccination for Girls
As part of our commitment to addressing immediate health challenges and contributing to the broader global agenda of achieving universal health coverage and improving children's overall well-being; World Vision actively champions the health of young girls by providing essential support for the administration of the HPV vaccine. This preventive measure plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer, and does not only address immediate health concerns but also contributes significantly to the long-term health resilience of the young girls in the communities.
Collaboration for Impact
World Vision understands the power of partnerships in creating lasting change and the collaboration with local health partners amplifies the impact of our interventions. During the special 'Back-to-School' commemoration, World Vision, in collaboration with the Maseru District Health Management Team and The Christian Health Association of Lesotho, extended its support to offer the administration of the HPV vaccine for young girls. World Vision's support was amplified through these strategic collaborations with local partners to ensure that our interventions are not just momentary but sustainable and have a meaningful and lasting impact for communities overall well-being.
Comprehensive Health services
During the 'Back to School' initiative, practical health services such as the provision of dental health and ophthalmic wellness was facilitated for children in these communities; by addressing these essential health needs, we aim to enhance the overall health and well-being of the children comprehensively.
World Vision further extended support beyond medical care by distributing 139 hygiene packs to adolescents who received SRHR training. The distribution of hygiene packs to adolescents added an extra layer of support, promoting personal hygiene and well-being. Additionally, healthy snacks, including fruits and juice, were provided to children promoting nutrition and overall health.
Measuring Impact
World Vision's dedication is not just in words but in measurable actions. The strategic allocation of resources in Fiscal Year 2024 is aimed at reducing the risk of new HIV infections among adolescents and youth. The success is being closely monitored through tracking the number and percentage of children and youth in the programme area who complete values-based, age-appropriate, HIV/AIDS, and reproductive and sexual health-specific life skills training.
As we witness the transformation of children's lives unfolding in Ha-Setho and Ha-Ramorakane through our Health, HIV, and Nutrition Technical Programme; this exemplifies our commitment to fostering children's health and well-being within communities.It is clear that our programming goes beyond support to initiatives; they are stories of hope, empowerment, and resilience.
Through strategic collaborations, World Vision is not just impacting lives today but is sowing the seeds for healthier and empowered communities that will flourish for generations to come. Together, we are building a Lesotho with a future where health is a foundation for prosperity.