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
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
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
- Education: Low literacy rates and limited access to quality education
- Psychological: High rates of stress, anxiety, and depression
Recommended Resources:
- 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.
Essential 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.
Missing Resource:
A youth center dedicated to providing recreational activities, sports, and social events would be a valuable addition to the community. This would provide young people with a safe and supportive environment to socialize, develop their skills, and build self-esteem.
Recommendations for Strengthening Existing 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.
By addressing these social determinants of health and providing access to essential resources, we can help improve the well-being of youth in Kisumu slums and create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Part 3: Reaching the Population
To effectively reach the target population, a variety of strategies can be employed:
- 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.
By combining these strategies, we can ensure that the target population is aware of the available resources and can benefit from them.
