Connect and Learn Initiative

Background

The use of computers and internet is gaining popularity worldwide, thus making an impact in all sectors, including the health sector. Studies have shown that access to internet in Africa is still very unfavorable, about 70 times lower than in the industrialized world. However, it is encouraging that access to computers and internet is on a fast increase in most developing countries, including Tanzania. Nevertheless, the challenge of timely and correct health information is highly prevalent among the youth and women, as reported in many studies.

Objective

The main objective of this initiative is “To enable dissemination and use of health information to the disadvantaged groups, particularly (but not exclusively) women and the youth, in all the districts of Tanga Region through the use of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)”.

Approach

The project has established 21 ICT sites, serving as health information resource centers throughout all the districts in Tanga region. Centers were set up in three main different settings; Hospitals/Health facilities, Secondary schools and in NGOs. Access to the centers i.e. computers and the internet is free. Two staff members/trainers, preferably women are selected by the respective institutions/organizations to take care of the room and carry out basic computer do the training. These trainers are expected to conduct weekly training programmes of at least three days’ training per week.

Main users of the centers are normally health personnel, students or members of the community, depending on the arrangement of the respective site. The training programs are focused on computers and internet and include: providing basic computer knowledge on knowing the main parts of a computer, parts of a computer, how to operate and computer applications, with additional knowledge on the internet and its usage. Furthermore, IEC material is provided on a quarterly basis by TGPSH e.g. leaflets and booklets on reproductive health, condom use, HIV/AIDS, etc.  

Activities

Key activities and focus areas of the project supported by TGPSH include:

• providing computers and  internet connectivity to sites by contracting a private internet service provider who also has a local counterpart to attend to on-site internet problems without delay
• liaising with the two site trainers on feedback about the progress of the centers in terms of trainings taking place, status of the equipment whether functional or non functional, etc.
• providing up-to-date digital and printed relevant health IEC material
• playing a supervisory role and ensuring that the sites are functional

Impact – what has been achieved

The achievements of the sites differ based on settings as explained below:

1. In schools: Students get the opportunity to search for information regarding their subjects, thus widening their knowledge, e.g. to take part in essay competitions. Teachers are now able to type their examinations and reports.
2. In health facilities: Staff use e-mail and internet for data/reports transfer and gaining access to health guidelines and policies from resources such as the Muhimbili Health Exchange Forum (MuHEF).
3. In NGOs: The sites have opened doors to the community, especially youth who have the opportunity to access the bilingual website “Chezasalama”, a one-stop center for health, entertainment, life skills and many other issues.

Conclusion 

This pilot project has shown itself to be very successful: The project evaluation in November 2005 showed that over 8,000 people (from inception November 2003) had gained access to the centers and had been trained.  It was also noted that the centers catered for other social and professional needs beyond providing health information, e.g. facilitating communication, email, online learning, improving professional knowledge, facilitating day-to-day work etc.

For additional information, see next page on Electronic Health Materials.