WiRED International: An Appropriate Way to Reach Adolescents

By Phinehas Muthuri
Maua Community Health Information Center

WiRED International has created and delivered an appropriate way to reach adolescents with the facts of HIV/AIDS and other health issues. CD-ROMs present extensive information in a straightforward, factual manner that adolescents can understand and accept.

CD number 51, Health Information Programs, offers extensive information on healthy living for youth. The language therein is tailored to address adolescents in a straightforward, factual manner that they can understand and accept. There are assessments for learners to know their progress. There is room for interactive dialogue and suggestions from the youth. There is sufficient information on birth control, books & booze, munchies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, sexual decisions, and student stress. Facts and myths on HIV/AIDS and sexuality are covered in great detail. There is a great deal of information on tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Information on sexual and reproductive health is generously covered in CD number 111, Sexual and Reproductive Health Mini-Course. Schoolwork for high school youth is now well supported; biology is no longer a subject to fail. CD number 19, Human Growth and Well-Being Interactive Computer Program, is a darling to primary school pupils. The needs of medical and nursing students are adequately addressed. Acute respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases and many other health conditions are well covered. With WiRED, college and university students have acquired wonderful "lecturers" on the CD-ROMS. Research work is now made easy.

Talk of free health education and you'll find it at WiRED Community Health Information Centers (CHICs). We are receiving the information absolutely free of charge. There is, therefore, no question of "lecturers downing tools in demand for higher pay." At last the youth have a reason to smile and take courage that they understand important health issues.

The materials are suitable for all ages, not just adolescents. At the age of 84+, just like at 9, many people comfortably learn at CHICs. Learning is at one's own pace and timing. Community health workers as well as traditional herbalists benefit from the information. Traditional birth attendants gain a lot. There are no barriers whatsoever. The staffs are always available to guide and assist the learners through the CDs. Individuals and groups engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including those offering palliative care, learned to help them join the fight and "Pamoja Tunaangamiza Ukimwi" ("together lets get rid of AIDS" — the slogan that President Kibaki uses to lead Kenyans). Many people who have visited the centers have willingly ended up in Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers of their choice to learn their HIV status. Many that have visited the CHICs have given a true testimony to this and much more. We at Maua Methodist Hospital, Meru CHIC, join the rest of WiRED family to welcome all to the CHICs. Keep up the good work, WiRED!

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