Dharamsala: The Orientation Workshop on the Comprehensive Community Outreach & Coordinated Care (CCOCC) Program to the Settlement Officers and DoHe Executive Secretaries is currently in session from October 8-9th at the Central Tibetan Administration.
The workshop is in attendance by 45 settlement officers and seven executives from the DoHe primary health centers.
The opening function convened with Health Secretary, Palden Dhondup. In his key remarks, he stated that the Department of Health has two main approaches to health within settlements: prevention and treatment. Prevention in relation to awareness programs, gym facilities, and yoga sessions, and treatment in relation to the health facilities and health care workers. He stated restated that the Department of Health is working hard to strengthen these areas of health within settlements.
Lastly, Health Secretary, Palden Dhondup stressed the fact that settlement officers, as leaders, play a vital role in promoting health and wellness in their respective communities. “Settlement officers do not just represent the Department of Home, they represent every department in the Central Tibetan Administration” stated the Health Secretary.
Following, Dr. Lobsang Tsering, the Tibetan Voluntary Health Association (TVHA) consultant, presented on the current status of tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, and health information system (HIS) in our Tibetan community. He stated that between 2012-2018, cases of TB has decreased, however, that does not mean that we should stop paying attention to the disease as it can still spread.
Based on a study done by the Department of Health, CTA and John Hopkins University, in Bylakkuppe, there is an 8% prevalence rate, which is considered high according to the World Health Organization.
He emphasized the main and best prevention method for hepatitis B are the three doses of the hepatitis vaccine for children.
The Orientation Workshop on the CCOCC Program to the Settlement Officers and DoHe Executive Secretaries will continue until October 9.
The CCOCC workshop is hosted by the Department of Health, CTA and funded by USAID.
