Fatshimetrie, the leading local news media in Bandundu, recently reported on the efforts of thirty-one community relays from the health zones of Bagata and Bandundu, in Kwilu, to fight against human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). These key public health actors participated in a two-day workshop organized by the provincial coordination of the national HAT control program, aimed at strengthening their skills and equipping them to effectively contribute to the elimination of this disease.
During this intensive training, the community relays acquired new essential knowledge on HAT and received concrete tools to conduct awareness-raising actions within their communities. Awareness-raising and education sessions will now be implemented using megaphones and vests provided during the workshop. These tools will allow them to disseminate crucial information on the prevention and screening of HAT, with the ultimate goal of reducing the prevalence of this disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Didier Kashiama Desamber, Supervisor of the Provincial Coordination of PNLTHA in Bandundu-Nord, highlighted the importance of the role of community relays in the fight against HAT as a major public health problem. He encouraged participants to put into practice the skills acquired during the workshop and to intensify their efforts to raise awareness and mobilize populations.
Despite the progress made, the Supervisor also expressed concern about the low participation rate during active screening activities carried out by mobile units and mini units. He called for greater community involvement in these initiatives and close collaboration between community relays, health authorities and local organizations to achieve the ambitious objectives of the fight against HAT.
The commitment and determination of the community relays of Bagata and Bandundu are inspiring examples of the mobilization of civil society in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. Their hard work and dedication will help improve the health and well-being of local populations, and move towards a future free of HAT in the Democratic Republic of Congo.