by dapp | Jul 27, 2020 | Blog, News
DAPP Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (Shamva Hospital) organized a COVID-19 awareness campaign in Shamva district targeting communities around Madziwa Rural, Cornerstore, Joking 8 and Wadzanai township. The campaign was conducted earlier this month
As the nation fights the COVID-19 pandemic DAPP Zimbabwe has taken public health and hygiene messages to the most vulnerable people using road shows. The campaign reached more than 5 000 people in semi-urban, mining areas and rural areas. 
The initiative has enabled the dissemination of key messages on COVID-19 in one of the most effective and efficient ways particularly during the lock down period. There is good uptake of messages and information as the roadshow team moved through communities spreading messages using loud speakers.
The key messages emphasized COVID-19 transmission, prevention, hygiene, social distancing and other important health and well-being issues related to COVID-19.
The District Environmental Technician for Shamva District Mr Evidence Mufambi spoke highly on the collaboration between DAPP and the Ministry of Health and Child Care adding that it was critical for marginalized communities to have access to information on COVID-19 to stop its spread.
He added that proper hand-washing and correct use of face mask demonstrations were going a long way in ensuring that communities are protected.
The campaign demonstrated the need for continuous organizing and supporting the community with relevant information about COVID-19.
by dapp | Jul 14, 2020 | Blog, News
Development Aid from People to People (DAPP Zimbabwe) was the first member of Humana People to People to pioneer HIV/AIDS prevention work using the Total Control of the Epidemic (TCE) programme concept in 2000. Since then, TCE has reached nearly 1 million people throughout Zimbabwe, equipping them with the capacity to take control of their lives against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
DAPP Zimbabwe recognises that people are responsible for their own health, but must be empowered to make the right decisions. People’s active participation in protecting their health can be done through community-based public health campaigns that reach out to individuals, groups and target populations.
The TCE Zimbabwe programme assisted nearly 700 000 individuals in developing a personal HIV risk reduction plan from 2000 – 2012. The model has enabled pregnant women to know their HIV status, get tested and receive counseling and undergo treatment. More than 50 000 pregnant women have received HIV support services to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
TCE has, over time, been funded by various partners; however, the first grant in Zimbabwe from USAID made it possible to provide evidence of a successful HIV model, leading to the interest of different national governments, and ultimately, expansion into 12 countries reaching 20 million people in Africa, India and China by 2017.
Today, DAPP Zimbabwe runs an HIV/AIDS programme, HOPE Bindura, reaching vulnerable populations with HIV prevention, treatment, and care services along the continuum of care. HOPE Bindura mobilises young mothers to attend and participate in pre-natal and ante-natal care sessions. Additionally, the project works closely with local clinics and hospitals; it coordinates with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare to provide HIV services.
As of 2019, HOPE Bindura has engaged over 42 000 people in its community outreach work, with more than 25 000 referred for HIV treatment at various local health centers. 830 People Living with HIV were organised in community-based support groups to promote treatment adherence, receiving training in Internal Servings and Lending, and small livestock husbandry to improve their nutrition.
The campaign demonstrated the need for continuous organizing and supporting the community with relevant information about COVID-19.