Advocating for a Population Based on Social Determinants of Health
Part 2: Advocating for a Population Based on Social Determinants of Health
• Identify the population in your community for which you will advocate. Describe key characteristics of this population (e.g., age, language, culture). Be specific with examples.
• Identify the population’s needs based on the social determinants of health (SDoH). Include examples to explain these needs.
• Identify three (3) resources (i.e., organizations and services) in your community that you would recommend to this population to address specific needs, as well as improve health and well-being as defined by the SDoH. Explain your rationale for selecting each resource.
• Describe essential information the population would need to access and benefit from each resource (e.g., location, hours, languages spoken/multi-lingual materials available, special services, free services/materials, online links).
• Identify at least one example of a missing resource that is needed by the population and why.
• Explain recommendations for expanding or strengthening existing services to meet particular needs better.
Part 3: Reaching the Population
- Education: Low literacy rates and limited access to quality education
- Psychological: High rates of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Kisumu Youth Development Centre: This organization provides vocational training, life skills education, and counseling services to young people in the slums. It can help youth acquire skills and improve their job prospects.
- Amref Health Africa: This international health organization operates in Kisumu and offers a range of healthcare services, including maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and treatment. It can provide essential healthcare services to the youth population.
- Kisumu Public Library: The library provides access to books, computers, and internet resources. It can help youth improve their literacy skills and gain access to information.
- Location: The location of each resource should be easily accessible to the target population.
- Hours: The resources should have flexible hours to accommodate the needs of young people who may be working or attending school.
- Languages: The resources should be able to provide services in both Kiswahili and English.
- Special services: Some resources may offer specialized services, such as counseling, vocational training, or mentorship programs.
- Free services/materials: Many resources offer free services or materials to make them accessible to all.
- Online links: Providing online links to the resources can make it easier for young people to access information and services.
- Increase funding: Allocate more resources to existing organizations to enable them to expand their services and reach a larger number of young people.
- Collaborate with other organizations: Foster partnerships between different organizations to create more comprehensive and effective programs.
- Involve young people in decision-making: Empower young people to participate in the design and implementation of programs that meet their needs.
- Community outreach: Partner with local community leaders, schools, and religious organizations to spread awareness of the available resources.
- Social media: Utilize social media platforms to reach young people and promote the services offered by the resources.
- Word-of-mouth: Encourage satisfied beneficiaries to spread the word about the resources to their peers.
- Mobile outreach: Set up mobile clinics or outreach programs in the slums to make services more accessible.
- Community events: Organize events and activities that attract young people and promote the resources available.
Part 2: Advocating for a Population Based on Social Determinants of Health
Population: Youth in Kisumu slums
Key Characteristics:
- Age: Primarily adolescents and young adults (15-25 years old)
- Language: Kiswahili and English
- Culture: Luo culture, with strong family and community ties
Needs Based on Social Determinants of Health:
- Economic: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and job opportunities
- Social: Limited access to healthcare, inadequate housing, and social exclusion
- Environmental: Exposure to pollution, poor sanitation, and unsafe living conditions