Training on Hygiene and Social Behaviour Change for Older Persons During COVID-19

Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was clear that older persons and persons with disabilities were forgotten and urgently needed training on how to combat the pandemic. In March 2021, GRASP conducted a 2-day training on hygiene and social behavior change at Kwale Cultural Hall.

Older persons and persons with disabilities were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 infection, and if infected, were more likely to experience severe illness. The devices they use in daily life were potential spreaders of infection.

The training objectives included:
• Acquiring and applying general principles of behavior change while communicating on prevention practices
• Gaining and clearly communicating key messages for each preventive behavior against COVID-19
• Delivering key information to caregivers on their role in safeguarding PWDs
• Acquiring information on COVID-19 waste management and psychosocial support

Key preventive behaviors covered:
• Hand hygiene - washing with soap and water as the most effective practice
• Physical distancing - staying at least 2 meters apart
• Proper mask usage and disability-related exemptions
• Respiratory hygiene and etiquette

Recommendations from participants:
• More such trainings should be conducted
• Participants should be facilitated in advance to avoid transport challenges
• Facilitators should be time conscious given that Kwale County is vast

This training demonstrated our commitment to ensuring no vulnerable group is left behind during health crises.