The Geneva Learning Foundation

# REACH network connects health leaders to share malaria experiences

The Geneva Learning Foundation hosted its second English-language REACH session on November 20, 2024, connecting health leaders from 45 countries to share frontline malaria experiences. The session highlighted a new partnership between RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Teach to Reach.

Request your invitation for Teach to Reach: https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

Special Event on malaria: Health professionals can request invitations at https://www.learning.foundation/malaria

## Global partnership targets malaria

"To end malaria, we must empower the people closest to the problem - health workers in affected communities," said Antonio Pizzuto, Partnership Manager at RBM. "This partnership allows us to listen to and learn from those on the frontlines of malaria control, ensuring their voices drive our global strategies."

## What is REACH?

REACH is a new component of Teach to Reach, the global platform to meet, network, and learn. The initiative, designed specifically for organizational leaders, offers:

1. Special networking opportunities for leaders

2. One-on-one meetings

3. Dedicated communication channels

## Session format

Leaders met in virtual breakout rooms of 4-5 participants for focused discussions about malaria prevention, treatment access, and community engagement. Through structured sharing of experiences, participants explored common challenges and local solutions.

## Implementation challenges surface

WHO's Ajai Patience in Nigeria described creative responses when mosquito nets were being repurposed: "For the mosquito nets, majority of them, mostly those who don't come to hospital regularly, use it to do their fish ponds. Some use it to do their vegetables." Her team developed targeted education during antenatal care: "We try to make them understand the importance of not having malaria in pregnancy... we visit them in the communities to see what they are doing."

Professor Beckie Tagbo from Nigeria's University Teaching Hospital highlighted critical gaps in severe malaria treatment: "He works in a primary health care center unable to treat severe malaria. Patients must travel 60-70 kilometers to higher centers for treatment, and some lack the funds."

In Kenya, Community Health Worker Taphurother Mutange shared their systematic outreach approach: "We have been subdivided into units as health workers. I've been given 100 households I visit every week. When they have problems or are sick, I refer them."

WHO Public Health Specialist Mersha Gorfu in Ethiopia noted changing disease patterns: "Unlike previous years, malaria now occurs in high altitude areas and in patients who have no travel history."

## Who attended?

The session connected 169 health leaders representing:

Organization types:

- Civil Society Organizations (32%)

- Government agencies including ministries of health (28%)

- Other non-profit organizations (21%)

- Educational institutions (11%)

- International agencies (8%)

Health system levels:

- Community level (29%)

- National level (26%)

- District level (22%)

- Regional level (15%)

- International level (8%)

Geographic representation with countries with highest number of participants:

- West Africa (44%): Nigeria, Ghana

- East Africa (31%): Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania

- Southern Africa (12%): Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana

- Asia (8%): India, Pakistan, Yemen

- Europe and Americas (5%): United States, United Kingdom, Canada

52% were first-time participants in REACH, while 48% had previously participated in Teach to Reach programs.

## Looking ahead

This session builds momentum toward:

1. The next REACH session on November 27 focusing on climate and health with Grand Challenges Canada

2. Teach to Reach 11 in English on December 5

3. A special special event on malaria on December 10

Health professionals can request invitations at https://www.learning.foundation/malaria

The initiative aims to complement existing technical forums by connecting implementation experience across levels of the health system, creating opportunities for practical learning between peers facing similar challenges in different contexts.

# REACH for Leaders: Building a global network of locally-led health organization leaders

To join the REACH network, request your invitation for Teach to Reach https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

On 6 November 2024, The Geneva Learning Foundation hosted its first REACH (Relate, Engage, Act, Connect, Help) session for organizational leaders, marking a new initiative within the Teach to Reach program. The session brought together 333 leaders from health organizations worldwide to network, share challenges, and exchange solutions ahead of Teach to Reach 11.

## What is REACH?

REACH is a new component of Teach to Reach, the global platform to meet, network, and learn. The initiative, designed specifically for organizational leaders, offers:

1. Special networking opportunities for leaders

2. One-on-one meetings

3. Dedicated communication channels

## Session highlights

The session introduced an innovative format where leaders could meet in small groups to share experiences and challenges. Dr. Thompson Igbu, WHO Team Lead for EPI in Sierra Leone, shared a powerful example of the value of these exchanges: “I engaged with a colleague from northern Ghana, where we discussed particularly the issues of climate change and how it is impacting health generally... Initially, it looked a little bit not too clear, but when you connect the dots, you realize that climate change actually is affecting health and by indication, also affecting immunization in some parts of the world.”

## Impact and participant feedback

The session demonstrated the power of peer learning and networking. As Fatima Zahra Obokorotaru, Public Health Educator from Nigeria, observed: “Whatever it is, you learn that you are not alone struggling in it and you get to meet others that have better experiences than you, and that also exposes you to learn from them.”

## Looking ahead to Teach to Reach 11

The REACH sessions are a preview of expanded networking opportunities at Teach to Reach 11, scheduled for December 5-6, 2024. The programme has seen remarkable growth, with over 23,000 health practitioners already registered for the upcoming session, compared to 21,398 participants in Teach to Reach 10.

Antonio Pizzuto, Partnership Manager at RBM Partnership to End Malaria, emphasized the value of this collaboration: “We believe that through coordinated action, advocacy, and resource mobilization, we are driving forward all the initiatives that aim at eradicating this disease from our planet.”

## Benefits for organizational leaders

REACH offers leaders unique opportunities to:

1. Connect with peers facing similar challenges

2. Share and learn from diverse experiences

3. Build lasting professional relationships

4. Access a global network of health professionals

5. Contribute to and learn from collective expertise

## Who attended REACH?

The inaugural REACH for Leaders sessions brought together 333 health organization leaders from 45 countries.

The initiative attracted diverse health professionals, from executive directors and medical chiefs to epidemiologists and community health workers.

The gender distribution showed 38% women and 62% men among participants.

73% of attendees had previously participated in Teach to Reach programs, while 27% were first-time participants.

## What types of organizations participated?

Civil Society Organizations represented 31% of participants, with government agencies accounting for 27% and other non-profit organizations comprising 22%.

Organizations represented multiple levels of the health system: 28% at community level, 26% at national level, 23% at district level, 15% at regional level, and 8% at international level.

## What countries are participating?

Regional distribution showed West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo) contributing 41% of participants.

Central Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon) followed with 28% of attendees.

East Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) represented 18% of participants.

Asia (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Philippines, Tajikistan) accounted for 6% of attendance.

European participation (Azerbaijan, Belgium, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Spain, Switzerland) stood at 3%.

The Americas (Canada, El Salvador, Haiti, Peru) contributed 2% of participants.

Teach to Reach 11: Where Global Health Leaders Converge

Learn more about Teach to Reach and request your invitation https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

Following our electrifying first partnership meeting that drew over 730 organizational leaders from across the globe, we invite you to the second Teach to Reach 11 Partner Briefing.

This isn’t just another virtual gathering – it’s a crucible of innovation in global health.

At our last meeting, leaders from grassroots organizations to international agencies shared experience and challenges.

Dr. Ornela Malembe revealed how Teach to Reach transformed her approach to women’s health in the DRC.

Vincent Kamuasha demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration sparked by our platform.

Read more about the Teach to Reach 11 Partnerships Launch https://redasadki.me/2024/10/18/ahead-of-teach-to-reach-11-organizational-leaders-share-experience-of-what-works-for-health/

Now, we’re taking it further.

Join us to:

• Network with visionary health leaders through our new REACH initiative

• Welcome and learn from new partners joining our diverse community

• Shape the global health agenda by informing Teach to Reach Questions

Follow these links to learn more

Why participate in Teach to Reach?

https://redasadki.me/2024/10/03/why-participate-in-teach-to-reach-11/

How Teach to Reach can help your organization

https://redasadki.me/2024/10/07/how-teach-to-reach-can-help-your-organization/

Why become a Teach to Reach Partner?

https://redasadki.me/2024/10/07/why-become-a-teach-to-reach-partner/

In each Partnership coordination meeting, we forge connections that could reshape health outcomes for millions.

Whether you’re a returning partner or new to our community, your voice is crucial in this revolution in global health collaboration.

Don’t just witness the transformation of global health – be part of it.

Join us as we count down to Teach to Reach 11 and help write the next chapter in our collective journey to health equity.

The Geneva Learning Foundation's Teach to Reach initiative held its 10th session dedicated to sharing firsthand experiences with malaria. This live event built upon responses to Teach to Reach Questions sent to participants in the weeks leading up to the session, creating a rich repository of personal and professional insights into malaria's impact across various communities.

Request your invitation for Teach to Reach https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

The session featured contributions from health workers, community leaders, and individuals affected by malaria. Participants from multiple countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, shared their stories and insights.

Personal experiences highlighted the severe impact of malaria on individuals and families. Rashida Musa Mukaddas from Bochi, Nigeria, described ongoing challenges with treatment: "We suffer a lot of malaria. For over the few months ago, we have been suffering from malaria issues because we have been taking, I encourage my family to access care from the facility. And most of the drugs given were not being able to treat those kind of diseases unless we took a longer period before it was cured."

Several participants shared heartbreaking stories of losing loved ones to malaria, particularly children and pregnant women. Lucy Pam Dangyang, a public health specialist from Nigeria, shared: "As a community health worker in a rural area in Nigeria, I've seen first-hand the devastating impact of malaria on individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, I have experienced the pain of losing children to malaria."

The session also explored the wider socioeconomic impacts of malaria. Dr Mary Obi from Nigeria noted: "Hospital visits have become frequent, and medical expenses have added financial strain. Our children's education has also suffered, as they have missed school due to illness and recovery time."

Participants discussed the challenges of malaria prevention, particularly the use of insecticide-treated bednets. While some reported success with bednet programs, many highlighted issues with acceptance and proper use. Kingsley Kofi Nignere from Ghana shared: "As a malaria advocator, I interviewed some of the community members as to why they are not using the insecticide-treated nets (bednet). Their responses were: (1) They are not able to breathe well in the bednet. (2) They are like how a dead body is kept in a coffin. (3) They feel burning sensations or itches when they sleep under the bed net."

Treatment challenges were also a significant topic of discussion. Participants highlighted issues with drug availability, cost, and efficacy. Some reported growing concerns about drug resistance and the use of ineffective or counterfeit medications.

The potential impact of climate change on malaria transmission was noted by several participants. Mustapha Ali Musine from Nigeria observed: "Due to the change in climate, the raining season last longer than before. As such there are breeding grounds for mosquitoes leading to increasing cases of malaria."

The session concluded with a discussion on the introduction of malaria vaccines. While many participants expressed hope about the potential impact of vaccines, others cautioned about the need for comprehensive community engagement to address potential vaccine hesitancy.

This inaugural malaria-focused session at Teach to Reach demonstrated the value of combining asynchronous experience sharing through targeted questions with live discussions. By tapping into the collective experiences of the group, the session created a multifaceted understanding of malaria challenges and interventions across various African contexts. It highlighted the complex interplay of factors affecting malaria control and the need for multifaceted, community-centered approaches to combat this persistent health threat.

Discover Teach to Reach: Transforming global health through peer learning

Join us for an exclusive briefing on Teach to Reach, an innovative peer learning platform revolutionizing how global health knowledge is shared and applied.

This event is designed for organizations and individuals passionate about improving health outcomes worldwide.

What is Teach to Reach?

Teach to Reach is a unique digital space where frontline health workers, policymakers, and global health experts come together to share experiences, learn from each other, and collaboratively address pressing health challenges.

It’s not just another conference - it’s a dynamic, ongoing community dedicated to turning knowledge into action.

Follow these links to learn more

Why participate in Teach to Reach?

https://redasadki.me/2024/10/03/why-participate-in-teach-to-reach-11/

How Teach to Reach can help your organization

https://redasadki.me/2024/10/07/how-teach-to-reach-can-help-your-organization/

Why become a Teach to Reach Partner?

https://redasadki.me/2024/10/07/why-become-a-teach-to-reach-partner/

Why Attend This Briefing?

1. Gain Unparalleled Insights: Learn how Teach to Reach connects over 21,000 health professionals from 70+ countries, bringing ground-level perspectives to global health dialogues.

2. Explore Partnership Opportunities: Discover how your organization can engage with this diverse network, including 2,400+ local community-based organizations.

3. See Real Impact: Hear concrete examples of how leading organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi have leveraged Teach to Reach to inform their strategies and improve health outcomes.

4. Shape Future Health Initiatives: Understand how you can contribute to and benefit from discussions on critical issues like climate change’s impact on health, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and women’s health.

5. Enhance Your Research and Programs: Learn about innovative approaches to inclusive, participatory research and program implementation.

Who Should Attend?

• Global health organizations

• Research institutions

• Policymakers

• Funders and donors

• NGOs and community-based organizations

• Anyone passionate about improving global health through collaborative learning

Join us to explore how Teach to Reach can complement and enhance your work, offering a unique bridge between global strategies and local realities.

Together, we can create a more equitable and effective global health ecosystem.

It is our great pleasure to announce the Commencement Ceremony celebrating the completion of Level 1 certification on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of immunization challenges and the development of actionable solutions to drive progress as part of the Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 Collaborative.

During this memorable event, we will honor and celebrate participants who are eligible for the RCA Level 1 certificate of the Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 Collaborative.

The Commencement Event agenda includes:

1. Recognition and honoring of all founding members of the Nigeria IA2030 Collaborative

2. Presentation of the list of RCA peer learning exercise participants who earned their Level 1 certificate

3. Announcement of the final list of CSOs and organizations that are official partners of the collaborative

4. Announcement of the creation of the Nigeria IA2030 Collaborative leadership council

If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Collaborative.

# Psychological First Aid in Action: Supporting a Child with Anxiety in Moldova

In September 2024, the Commencement Ceremony for the first inaugural cohort of the Certificate peer learning programme on Psychological First Aid (PFA) took place. This program, focused on supporting children affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, brought together professionals from various backgrounds to share experiences and refine their approaches to providing psychological support.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a case study presentation by Andrei Esanu, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist from the Republic of Moldova. Esanu, who also serves as the MHPSS co-chair of a technical working group in Moldova, shared his experience applying PFA principles to help a six-year-old boy experiencing anxiety at an educational center.

## The Case Study

The incident took place at an educational center run by the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in Moldova. A six-year-old boy, attending classes with his mother, suddenly experienced heightened anxiety during a session. The child's distress manifested in him hiding under a table, which not only affected him but also caused concern among the other children present.

Esanu's approach to the situation demonstrated key principles of Psychological First Aid:

1. **Calm Approach**: Esanu approached the boy calmly, speaking softly and using non-threatening body language to provide reassurance. He knelt down to be at the child's eye level, creating a sense of safety and connection.

2. **Creating a Safe Space**: With the help of the boy's mother, Esanu moved the child to a quieter room. This transition helped reduce stimuli and provided a more controlled environment for the boy to calm down.

3. **Collaboration**: Esanu worked closely with the teacher to manage the situation, ensuring that the other children remained calm and that the overall classroom environment was balanced.

4. **Use of Familiar Objects**: A toy that the boy was fond of was used as a tool to help him feel more secure in the environment. This familiar object served as a bridge between the child's comfort zone and the new situation.

5. **Parental Involvement**: The center's approach of involving parents in the educational process proved beneficial. The presence of the boy's mother during the incident and the center's ongoing work with parents through a parents' club and parenting classes contributed to a supportive environment.

## Applying PFA Principles

Esanu's intervention aligned with the core principles of PFA, which he summarized as "Look, Listen, and Link":

- **Look**: He observed the boy's anxiety and assessed the need for a safe space.

- **Listen**: Through non-verbal cues and a calm tone, Esanu established a supportive presence.

- **Link**: He connected the boy with his parents and later with a psychologist for further support.

## Outcomes and Reflections

Over the following weeks, the boy showed gradual improvement, increasingly participating in group activities. This progress suggested enhanced psychosocial well-being. Esanu noted that the child's enthusiasm for attending classes grew, with him even expressing a desire to attend on days when the center was closed.

Reflecting on the experience, Esanu emphasized the importance of:

1. Creating safe spaces in educational settings where children can retreat during moments of distress.

2. Providing workshops for parents on supporting their children's mental health and managing anxiety.

3. Training teachers in PFA principles to create a more supportive overall environment.

## The Value of Peer Learning

Esanu highlighted the significance of the peer learning experience offered by the Certificate program. He found that discussions with peers deepened his understanding of non-verbal communication in situations involving anxious children and provided new strategies for creating a balanced environment that supports both the distressed child and the rest of the class.

This case study presentation at the Commencement Ceremony not only showcased the practical application of PFA principles but also demonstrated the value of shared learning experiences in enhancing the skills of professionals working with children affected by humanitarian crises. As the inaugural cohort of this program concludes, the insights and experiences shared promise to inform and improve future interventions in similar situations across the region.

This video is excerpted from the Gavi Zero-Dose Learning Hub webinar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5rLXk7l898

Learn more about knowledge translation for zero-dose immunization research: https://zdlh.gavi.org/resources/knowledge-translation-zero-dose-immunization-research

Gavi Zero-Dose Learning Hub’s innovative model for inter-country peer learning and knowledge translation

https://redasadki.me/2024/08/08/gavi-zero-dose-learning-hubs-innovative-model-for-inter-country-peer-learning-and-knowledge-translation/

Recommendations to support knowledge translation of evidence to identify and reach zero-dose children

https://redasadki.me/2024/08/08/recommendations-to-support-knowledge-translation-of-evidence-to-identify-and-reach-zero-dose-children/

Gavi’s Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) explored an innovative approach to support knowledge translation of evidence grounded in the experiences and insights of local immunization and other health staff.

Central to TGLF’s approach is the recognition of continuous learning as a critical factor in immunization program performance.

Research involving over 10,000 immunization professionals identified ‘continuous learning’ as the weakest area in immunization’s learning culture: limited learning opportunities, low risk tolerance, and a focus on task completion rather than capacity building.

These findings informed the development of a new model for knowledge sharing and application.

The ZDLH-X (Zero-Dose Learning Hub Exchange) events form the core of this approach.

In six months, these peer learning exchanges connected over 3,000 zero-dose practitioners across 100 countries.

The model engages frontline staff at all levels of the health system, with 37% of participants working at the subnational level and 85% directly involved in zero-dose initiatives.

TGLF’s approach emphasizes learning culture as a link between learning and performance in global health.

By fostering continuous learning and adaptation among health workers, the model aims to build resilience and sustainability in addressing global health challenges, including zero-dose child identification.

The ZDLH-X model incorporates elements of double-loop learning, encouraging practitioners to question not only their actions but also the underlying assumptions guiding those actions.

This approach aims to help health workers adapt more effectively to complex, evolving challenges in immunization.

Data from TGLF’s research indicates a relationship between strengthening immunization learning culture and enhancing both knowledge and mission performance.

Post-event feedback from ZDLH-X participants included examples of new zero-dose strategies being implemented and adapted based on peer-shared ideas.

The ZDLH-X model addresses complex problem-solving through several key components:

1. Diverse perspective sharing: Connecting practitioners from various contexts enables cross-pollination of ideas.

2. Mental model development: Presentations on local adaptations help participants develop new approaches to potential solutions.

3. Metacognition promotion: Q&A sessions encourage critical thinking about current methods and attitudes.

4. Affective factor management: Peer testimonials provide motivation through relatable experiences of overcoming barriers.

5. Collaboration support: Group discussions facilitate collective examination of challenges specific to different communities.

This approach aims to complement evidence-based practices by providing a framework for knowledge translation that addresses gaps in traditional capacity-building methods.

The model focuses on continuous learning and peer exchange to tackle complex global health challenges.

TGLF’s model offers practical recommendations for implementation, such as emphasizing participant experience, providing guidance for knowledge translation, and acknowledging connectivity challenges in frontline settings.

These considerations reflect the realities faced by health workers in diverse field contexts.

While further research is needed to directly link these learning interventions to immunization coverage outcomes, initial findings suggest potential in generating insights, fostering continuous learning cultures, and promoting adoption of new strategies for reaching zero-dose children.

The ZDLH-X model presents a data-driven, scalable approach to addressing persistent challenges in global health.

By leveraging collective knowledge and experience of frontline workers, this peer learning approach aims to complement existing technical assistance methods.

Its emphasis on learning culture, double-loop learning, and the connection between learning and performance offers a perspective on tackling complex global health challenges that warrants further exploration and evaluation.

7 take-aways from #Nigeria’s first Immunization Collaborative peer learning exercise to make #VaccinesWork

On August 6, 2024, the Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 Collaborative concluded its first peer learning exercise with a final Assembly.

This groundbreaking initiative, a partnership between The Geneva Learning Foundation, Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and UNICEF, has already engaged over 4,400 health workers from all 36 States and more than 300 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria.

The Collaborative’s innovative approach focuses on empowering health workers to identify root causes of local immunization challenges and develop practical, context-specific solutions.

As the initiative continues to grow, with new members joining daily, it could help shift how Nigeria approaches immunization capacity building and problem-solving.

Following the final Assembly, Nigeria immunization specialist Jenny Sequeira and The Geneva Learning Foundation’s deputy director Charlotte Mbuh shared their reflections on the exercise.

Here are 7 key takeaways from their discussion.

We invite you to join the General Assembly of the Nigeria Immunization Collaborative on Tuesday, 6 August 2024.

This important meeting marks the end of our first peer learning exercise.

Our partners include the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and UNICEF, together with a network of almost 200 local government agencies and civil society organizations.

Over 3,400 health workers joined to help solve immunization problems in Nigeria.

It brings together health workers from all 36 states and more than 300 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The Collaborative focuses on:

1. Executing plans for The Big Catch Up

2. Finding and reaching zero-dose children

3. Figuring out how to strengthen routine immunization with existing resources

The Collaborative began its first peer learning exercise on 22 July 2024.

The goal was for each participant to find root causes of local immunization challenges.

At the Assembly:

1. Leaders will present the root causes of immunization challenges they found

2. They will share ideas to solve these challenges

3. We will discuss next steps for our work together

You are welcome to join whether or not you took part in the peer learning exercise.

Your voice is important.

We want to hear from everyone who cares about the health of Nigeria's children and families.

If you worked on a Root Cause Analysis (RCA), please bring it.

If you did not do an RCA, you can still learn a lot from this meeting.

This General Assembly is a chance for us all to:

1. Learn from each other's experiences

2. Share ideas for improving immunization in Nigeria

3. Be part of planning our next steps

Together, we can make immunization services better for every child in Nigeria.