AFHEG Health Communication Training on AMR Training at KIU

AFHEG Health Communication Training took place at Kampala International University (KIU), bringing together over 60 students and lecturers to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Organized by the AFHEG Foundation in partnership with KeepersXR, the training focused on bridging the gap between technical health information and community-driven solutions.

Kampala International University engage in interactive learning activities during the training.

The training opened with an introduction to AMR that explained its causes, impacts, and prevention strategies. The lead trainer of AFHEG Foundation, James Nkubuge remarked, “Today we see that understanding AMR is key to stopping self-medication practices that contribute to rising resistance. Knowledge like this has the power to change lives.” Participants were given clear, actionable information that they could share with their communities.

The training opened with an introduction to AMR, highlighting its causes, impacts, and prevention strategies. James Nkubuge, lead trainer at AFHEG Foundation, emphasized the importance of tackling self-medication, stating:

“Understanding AMR is key to stopping self-medication practices that contribute to rising resistance. Knowledge like this has the power to change lives.”

Participants were provided with clear, actionable information to help them communicate health issues effectively within their communities.

A central part of the event was a session on health communication through storytelling. In guided workshops, attendees learned how to convert complex health challenges into relatable narratives. One of the students Namara Hildah noted, “I now have a clear method to share health information in a way that people understand and use to protect their families.” These exercises helped participants move from merely reporting health issues to advocating for solutions that matter.

A core session focused on health communication through storytelling, where students learned to transform complex health challenges into relatable narratives. Namara Hildah, a KIU student, shared her experience:

“I now have a clear method to share health information in a way that people understand and use to protect their families.”

These workshops shifted participants from simply reporting health issues to actively advocating for impactful solutions.

Phillip Andrew Mwebaza, CEO AFHEG Foundation takes the students through a health communications session.

Phillip Andrew Mwebaza, CEO of AFHEG Foundation, added, “Our mission is to empower the next generation of health communicators. Events like this bring together traditional methods and modern technology to create meaningful change. When participants leave equipped with these skills, they carry the promise of healthier communities.” His words echoed the event’s emphasis on practical education and community empowerment.

Phillip Andrew Mwebaza, CEO of AFHEG Foundation, led a session on health communication strategies. He highlighted AFHEG’s mission:

“Our goal is to empower the next generation of health communicators. By merging traditional methods with modern technology, we equip students with skills that create lasting change in their communities.”

This statement reinforced the practical, hands-on approach that defined the training.

Students of Kampala International University engage in an interactive Superbugs Clash Kampala edition board game session.

To make learning interactive, the training incorporated Superbugs Clash – Kampala Edition, a board game that simulates real-world AMR scenarios. Participants worked in teams, developing critical thinking skills and decision-making strategies.

Rukundo Emmanuel, CEO of KeepersXR talks to KIU Students about the role of interactive learning tools like virtual reality.

Rukundo Emmanuel, CEO of KeepersXR, stated, “Integrating VR into our training modules demonstrates how technology can simplify complex health challenges. Our collaboration with AFHEG provides a platform where digital tools directly contribute to health advocacy.” His comments reinforced the role of digital innovation in enhancing the learning experience.

Additionally, KeepersXR introduced immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, showcasing how digital tools can enhance health education. Rukundo Emmanuel, CEO of KeepersXR, explained:

“Integrating VR into training modules shows how technology can simplify complex health challenges. Our collaboration with AFHEG provides a platform where digital tools directly contribute to health advocacy.”

By the conclusion of the training, attendees expressed a clear commitment to advancing health literacy in their communities. Many pledged to apply their new skills in both their professional roles and personal networks, promising to bring a practical, story-driven approach to health communication.By the end of the training, attendees committed to applying their new skills in health advocacy, promising to use story-driven communication to promote health literacy and AMR awareness.

This event underscored the role of interactive learning and digital tools in modern health education. For more on digital health innovation, see the World Health Organization’s information on Antimicrobial resistance.

For additional insights about our approach and further updates on our programs, please visit our Gallery.

AFHEG Foundation and King Ceasor University Launch the AMR Club

AFHEG Foundation Joins Forces with King Ceasor University to Launch the AMR Club, Raising Awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance

On September 14, 2024, the AFHEG Foundation joined King Ceasor University in launching its Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Club, marking a significant step in the university’s fight against one of the most pressing global health threats today. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of community health solutions for antimicrobial resistance and the role of education in combating AMR.

The AMR Club President at King Ceasor University, Brendah Hildah, addresses students about the importance of the club in the community.

Attended by 50 medical students and lecturers, the event highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling AMR, especially within local communities. The gathering showcased the commitment of students and educators to promoting health literacy in Uganda.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Okello Bazil, patron of the AMR Club, who emphasized the importance of following proper medical guidance. He reminded the audience to “complete the full course of medication and avoid self-medicating,” noting that adhering to prescribed treatments is essential for reducing risks like drug resistance.

The AFHEG Foundation CEO, Phillip Andrew Mwebaza, addresses participants on the use of games in health education.

Phillip Mwebaza, CEO of AFHEG Foundation, then introduced the Superbugs Clash board game, an interactive tool designed by AFHEG to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance through gamified learning. He explained how the game educates players on the dangers of improper antibiotic use, encouraging students to share their knowledge with family and friends to foster a health-literate community. He further emphasized the transformative impact that youth-led health education can have in Uganda, where doctor-patient ratios are critically low.

The event included lively musical breaks, during which students performed songs about AMR, adding creativity to the learning experience and enhancing the impact of public health education.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to the medicines that were once effective in treating infections. This makes common treatments like antibiotics less effective or even useless, leading to longer illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. Addressing AMR requires public awareness and strict adherence to prescribed treatments, as the AFHEG Foundation and King Ceasor University are demonstrating through education and innovative community initiatives.

Through initiatives like the AMR Club and the Superbugs Clash game, both organizations are paving the way for a healthier, informed future, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in health education and the need for comprehensive approaches to tackle antimicrobial resistance effectively.

AFHEG Foundation launches an AMR board game Superbugs Clash to revolutionize health Gamified Learning in Uganda

AFHEG Foundation launches an AMR board game Superbugs Clash to revolutionize health Gamified Learning in Uganda

The AFHEG Foundation has launched Superbugs Clash Kampala Edition, a unique board game to raise awareness on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This innovative tool seeks to simplify complex health concepts, making them engaging and accessible to a wider audience, especially youth in Uganda.

In a world where traditional health education often struggles to engage diverse audiences, gamified learning emerges as a transformative solution. The African Health Grid Foundation (AFHEG) is at the forefront of this innovative approach, leveraging the power of games to simplify complex health issues and make learning not only accessible but also engaging.

Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, arises when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt to resist the medications used to treat them, leading to ineffective treatments and prolonged illness. AMR has become a global health crisis, claiming approximately 1.27 million lives every year and posing a severe threat to public health. Through Superbugs Clash, AFHEG hopes to address this issue by promoting understanding and inspiring behavioural change in Ugandan communities.

Phillip Mwebaza, the CEO of the AFHEG Foundation, emphasized the transformative impact of gamified learning in addressing such critical health challenges.

“With games like Superbugs Clash Kampala Edition, we provide an enjoyable means to communicate complex health topics, effectively breaking down comprehension barriers,” Mwebaza stated. “Our mission is to cultivate a health-literate community equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for making informed health decisions.”

The launch event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 50 individuals, including artists, content creators, public health professionals, mental health advocates, and students. Attendees were immersed in a variety of activities, including games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and therapeutic art sessions. These interactive formats not only showcased AFHEG’s commitment to innovative health education but also illustrated the collective dedication to immersive and holistic approaches to learning.

Emmanuel Rukundo from Keepers XR highlighted the pivotal role of VR in educational settings, stating, “By allowing participants to step into different health scenarios, VR transforms learning from passive observation to active engagement.” This hands-on experience fosters a deeper connection with health challenges, making the educational process more impactful and empowering individuals to advocate for healthier communities. The integration of VR technology into educational initiatives exemplifies the potential for innovative approaches to enhance health education, making it more memorable and effective.

Rodney Kiggundu, founder of Kiggundu Art Studio, also emphasized the broader impact of creative innovations like Superbugs Clash. He noted that art forms, including therapeutic and digital art, are vital avenues for raising awareness about health issues.

“Art has the power to connect with people on a deeper level, making health information more relatable and engaging,” Kiggundu remarked.

Caroline Tusabe, co-founder of the AFHEG Foundation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to spreading health information through innovative educational strategies. “We are dedicated to ensuring that vital health information reaches as many people as possible, and gamified learning is a key component of this mission,” she stated.

Through collaborative efforts and groundbreaking approaches, organizations like AFHEG are showcasing the potential of creative educational initiatives to address pressing health challenges. AFHEG aims to inspire individuals to adopt sustainable health behaviours by harnessing the power of gamified learning and innovative storytelling, ultimately fostering a resilient and proactive community prepared to tackle health challenges head-on. As more games and educational tools are developed, the future of health education looks brighter, offering new avenues for engagement and empowerment in the quest for healthier futures.

 

 

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