CHIKITSA – MSAI India

Name of the activity: CHIKITSA

Country/NMO: MSAI India

Program: Communicable Diseases

Contact information: contact [email protected] to get in touch with the Activity Coordinator

Type of the activity: Continuous Activity

Category: Campaign

Focus area: Prevention of Communicable Diseases | Malaria

Sustainable Development Goals addressed: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

Enrollment valid until: September 30, 2025 (Report to extend)

General description:

India still has a huge infectious disease burden, with a marked contribution from vector borne diseases. The most effective evidence based method to prevent incidence and spread of infectious diseases is strengthening awareness amongst the general population about early signs and symptoms and preventive strategies. Hence, Chitiksa – Challenging Infections through Strengthening Awareness.

Problem statement:

India still has a huge infectious disease burden, with a marked contribution from vector borne diseases. This has also been reflected in the public health programs implemented with special emphasis on control and prevention of infectious diseases. The most effective evidence based method to prevent incidence and spread of infectious diseases is strengthening awareness about early signs and symptoms and preventive strategies, inlcluding zero-cost infection prevention practices.

Target groups:

• General population

Beneficiaries:

• General population

Objectives:

With the help of a 30 minute awareness session, over a period of 3 months, To make at least 200 people of the general population aware about:

1. the types of  common infectious diseases that spread during the monsoon season 
2. the complications, treatment and prevention of above diseases, if possible specific to their state
3. the basic signs and symptoms of the 5 diseases so they could seek appropriate help in a healthcare facility
4. the local trustworthy and economic health care facilities in their area
5. To increase awareness about a specific infectious disease through a social media campaign/engaging video with an outreach of at least 400, over a period of 1 month.

Indicators of Success:

General Indicators:

1. Minimum number of on-ground events- 30
2. Minimum number of general population reached- 200
3. Minimum number of impressions on social media – 200

Specific indicators:

1. More than 60% of the target population have understood what the monsoon related illnesses are, especially in their state.
2. More than 60% of the target population can identify at least 2 general signs and symptoms for the diseases. 
3. More than 60% of the target population can identify the specific signs and symptoms of the diseases. 
4. More than 60% of the target population can tell 2 or more than two ways of preventing diseases.

Methodology:

1. Developing Campaign Content – A small working group was created to formulate a well researched and regionally balanced Information Document to be used for the awareness session, at local levels
2. Event Flow – The Activity organisers and volunteers thoroughly understand the information document and conduct an Awareness and Outreach Campaign for the Rural as well as Urban Poor population using posters translated in their local language and demonstration of basic preventive measures like Insecticides, Gambusia, etc.
3. Post Event – A post event survey to assess participant understanding is conducted and responses collected
4. Social Media Video Campaign – An informative video describing signs to identify common vector borne diseases as well as evidence based preventive strategies was made and released on World Mosquito Day.

Plans for evaluation:

• QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION: Obtaining the data of the responses of the post event surveys, which assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the general population and statistically correlating the results with the success indicators and objectives to measure the impact ; number of impressions on social media for the social media campaign
• QUALITATIVE EVALUATION: Feedback by the target audience (through post event survey) and volunteer satisfaction (through post event forms), photographic records

External collaborations:

none