Psychosocial Program

Name: KAMANZI Jean Bosco

Position: Promotional Programs Coordinator

With CCHIPs since: September 6th, 2010

Before joining CCHIPs team, my main wish was to develop my career as psychologist. Fortunately I joined CCHIPs team where I fit in well piloting a psychosocial program at Shingiro Health Center. I really take great pride in my work with CCHIPs team. My great pleasure is also enhanced by CCHIPS team cohesion; it’s honestly very helpful to me developing myself as individual and as CCHIPs team member.

Psychological and Physical problems are interwoven. Having a psychosocial program at the health center level helps because it provides integrated care at the primary health care level. We have received 13 cases since October 25th, 2010. Two of those cases were referred to the District Hospital because they had severe psychosocial problems and needed medical intervention. After initial trainings with Shingiro Health Center staff about the psychosocial program, I really appreciate how much they collaborate in its implementation process. We also met with Local Authorities and began trainings with Community Health Workers. They are very supportive of having a psychosocial program at the health center and said they encounter many psychosocial issues in the community. Among the issues they mentioned were: domestic violence, polygamy, HIV/ AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, and poverty.

We are going to continue trainings with nurses and Community Health Workers. With those partners I have no doubt that psychosocial program will increase the availability and effectiveness of treatment for psychosocial issues at health center.

Jean Bosco training Shingiro Community Health Workers on psychosocial problems and the psychosocial program so they can make community referrals to receive counseling at the health center.

Highlight of the Week: First training with community health workers.

Favorite CCHIPs Memory: Meeting with Bill Wyman, one of the founders of CCHIPs, during my first days with the project.