The Humanitarian Organization for the People of Afghanistan (HOPA), in collaboration with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), successfully conducted a series of awareness sessions aimed at promoting critical health knowledge in Kandahar province. These sessions, implemented as part of the ongoing WFP project, focused on vital topics such as health, nutrition, vaccination, and immunization. The initiative prioritized community engagement and gender inclusivity, targeting both male and female participants.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the awareness sessions were to:

• Educate communities about the importance of health, nutrition, and immunization.
• Encourage vaccination uptake among children and adults.
• Raise awareness about malnutrition and its prevention.
• Foster an inclusive approach to health education, ensuring equal participation of men and women.

Achievements

Total Figures

The following graph summarizes the total achievements of the awareness sessions conducted from July 2023 to April 2024:

Key Highlights

• A total of 380 sessions were conducted, engaging 11,991 participants.
• Gender inclusivity was ensured, with 23% of participants being female.
• Topics covered included health education, vaccination awareness, nutrition, and immunization.

Conclusion

The GPEI awareness sessions have significantly contributed to improving health literacy in Kandahar province. By reaching nearly 12,000 individuals, the initiative has played a crucial role in fostering healthier communities and addressing critical health challenges such as malnutrition and low vaccination rates.

HOPA remains committed to continuing its efforts in collaboration with key stakeholders to enhance health awareness and ensure equitable access to vital health services.