Taking care of one another’s health

The last few weeks have shone a spotlight like never before on how we look after our physical and mental health – and how we can all support others to look after theirs, too.

The Coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted how, when we need it, the support of our amazing healthcare workers is critical.

That’s why, to mark this year’s World Health Day, we’re celebrating our incredible frontline health workers here in the UK and around the world, as they battle the current crisis.

For many of our programmes, activities have been paused as children, young people and our staff take steps to stay safe.

But to celebrate World Health Day, we also wanted to share some stories of the young people and communities we’ve been empowering to take control of their health and share life-changing skills, so they can look forward to healthier, happier futures.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Indy is one of the newest members of the Young Health Programme – our project with AstraZeneca which has been empowering young people to live healthier lives.

Since joining the programme Indy has transformed her lifestyle. She’s started eating more healthy food and has taken up running and playing badminton with her sister, as well as supporting her mum to start exercising again.

Having been trained as a peer educator, Indy is also sharing the knowledge she’s gained with her friends, explaining how smoking can lead to diseases later in life.

"After talking about the dangers and effects of smoking, my friend became aware that smoking is dangerous. He began to cut down and now wants to quit."

- Indy, Indonesia

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Laos

In Laos we’ve been running training sessions with midwives like Thiphakong, to make sure expectant mums have the best experience with their healthcare workers.   

As a result of the training, they’re using the ‘True Friend’ concept which promotes respectful, friendly communication between staff and patients, enabling them to develop a strong connection.

"When I helped deliver my first baby… it was totally life or death. Then, when the delivery was successful and both of them were safe and healthy, it was a moment of great pride for me."

- Thiphakong, Laos

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Uganda

As well as being a farmer and a father to three, 26-year-old Naika still manages to find time to volunteer.

After taking part in Plan International’s health and hygiene course, he decided to share his knowledge with others and become a volunteer health worker.

"I wanted to see a change in my neighbourhood. The training course has changed my life. I have learnt a lot and made many changes at home. For example, we have built a latrine and introduced better hygiene routines."

- Naika, Uganda

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Guinea

In Guinea memories of the Ebola epidemic, which killed more than 2,500 people, are still fresh in people’s minds. That’s why, as well as earning an income, the members of Plan International’s women's savings group are contributing to the cleanliness of their local school, too.

Having been trained in soap production, they’re selling some of the items they produce and giving the rest to their children’s school.

"We prepare the soap once a week and from the pieces destined for sale, a quantity is collected for the school. Now each time a pupil goes to the toilet, they can wash their hands with soap made by their mothers."

- Pauline, Guinea

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