Alanda Health

Is it time to put Dengue on your radar? Dengue fever is causing serious problems in North and South America as we move through 2024. Because Dengue has been around for a while, not everyone is paying attention. Here’s what you should know: 🌎 Many countries are seeing more cases than usual, with some close to record numbers. Brazil, Peru, and Mexico are among the hardest hit, with cases rising rapidly. The United States, where the currently circulating serotype of Dengue is rare, has also recorded a large increase in cases.  ♨ Warmer temperatures, more rain and growing cities create perfect conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the chances of getting sick. 🤒 Be aware of symptoms like high fever, bad headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. See a doctor if you notice these. ❌ Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves, and get rid of standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed. This outbreak shows how important it is to have strong health systems, good monitoring, and community action to stop the spread of this disease. You can do your part: Share key public health messages about dengue with your community. We all have a role to play! Questions about dengue? Let us know in the comments! #PublicHealth #DengueOutbreak #GlobalHealth #Americas #HealthCrisis

As I conclude my four-month internship with Alanda Health, I am reflecting on an incredible journey that has fueled my deep passion for public and global health. From the moment I discovered Alanda Health on LinkedIn, I knew I wanted to contribute to this organization whose mission aligned so closely with my own and whose work benefits communities across the globe. Fast forward a few months later, I am now proud to say I am officially an Alanda Health Alumna! 🎉 Throughout my internship at Alanda, I had the opportunity to: 🌍 Expand my knowledge and understanding of global and public health concepts 👥 Be mentored on educational avenues and career trajectories 📝 Strengthen my science communication skills 🔍 Work on global project evaluations from start to finish 🤝 Collaborate with a phenomenal and supportive remote team ✨ Assist in the screening and recruitment process for the next Alanda interns I want to extend my deepest thanks to Alanda’s founder and our team leader, Candela Iglesias Chiesa, MPH, PhD, for this amazing opportunity! Your continuous feedback, guidance, and words of wisdom have been invaluable. I am truly grateful for the experiences and skills I’ve developed at Alanda and look forward to implementing them in the next chapter of my journey in the field of public and global health! I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Julius Okanta and Sabine Donders for their unwavering support throughout this internship. Through our onboarding sessions and weekly meetings, I have gained valuable skills in project management and teamwork and have had my first experience working remotely with a global team! Lastly, a huge thank you to my fellow intern, Natalie Bauman! I am very fortunate to have had you as an intern partner and am proud of everything we accomplished together during our internship! Thank you to everyone at Alanda Health for making this such a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I am truly humbled to have had this opportunity and am excited to see the company grow and continue to make a positive impact in the global community! 🚀✨

After four months of interning for Alanda, it’s time for me to transition to a new role! I am happy to begin contributing to the team as a research assistant, and continuing to work on exciting projects. In the past four months, I have: 🌻 Grown out of my comfort zone by working with projects in different tactical areas than I had before 🗣 Refined my science communication skills 💪 Strengthened my remote time management skills 🖇 Learned great proposal writing skills ✅ Seen the evaluation process from start to finish 🤝 Participated in the recruitment and selection of new interns I would like to extend a big thank you to Candela Iglesias Chiesa, MPH, Phd, for providing helpful resources, for being a strong mentor, and for directing Alanda’s team with strong leadership. I would also like to thank Julius Okanta and Maria Mian for all of the wonderful collaboration over the last few months! I am looking forward to the months ahead as we continue to work as a team to provide quality evidence-based products that support those working to achieve global health equity. #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #Team

Testing a new initiative or innovation? 🔍 Are you collecting the right evidence to prove that it works? 📝 Alanda’s 3E’s framework talks about how organizations working in global health can be more evidence-based, evidence-generating and evidence-sharing.🚀 Today we are talking about our second E: evidence-generating. 📋📊🗃 We see great initiatives or innovations in global health that unfortunately have not set up their projects in the right way to measure whether they work. ❗ Without clear, quantifiable indicators, we cannot accurately measure the progress of a project, its effectiveness and hopefully its impact as well. So what are some key points you can review to ensure you are collecting the right data to help you assess whether your intervention works? 🤔 🔁 Understand the relationship between objectives, results, and indicators. An objective is the goal (future-looking) e.g. “Improve knowledge and practices in disease prevention in community A.” A result is whether you achieved that objective (written in the past tense, as an accomplishment) e.g. “Knowledge and practices in disease prevention were improved in community A” An indicator is the way you will measure the result. E.g % improvement in average scores of knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) survey. ⁉ Remember: usually fuzzy objectives make for fuzzy indicators! 📄 Define Objectives Clearly: Ensure your project or intervention has clear objectives and that they are well aligned with the overall outcome/goal of the intervention. At Alanda, we supported a project aimed at fostering resilience and disaster preparedness in communities (overall objective). This involved: enhancing community and organizational disaster capacities (Objective 1), increasing access to health services (Objective 2), improving access to safe water and sanitation (Objective 3), and boosting knowledge and practices in disease prevention (Objective 4). 📏 Measure results at different levels: Our work typically begins with activities (e.g., distributing bednets), which lead to outputs (e.g., families receiving bednets), outcomes (e.g., family members using bednets), and impact (e.g., reduced malaria cases). We need to measure progress at each level as appropriate to gain comprehensive insights of the project. 🔢 Have quantitative indicators: Including quantitative indicators for each level in addition to qualitative data strengthens the measurement of project results and provides valuable information to donors and other organizations. Numbers, alongside stories, offer a compelling way to convey impact. 💡 Incorporating clear objectives, measuring results at multiple levels, and using quantitative indicators will ensure you gather the right data to effectively assess and demonstrate the success of your initiative, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and more impactful interventions. What’s your best tip to ensure your project is generating strong evidence? 📝

Have you found yourself struggling to produce or obtain high-quality data?  In the world of public and global health, poor data quality can lead to misguided decisions, missed opportunities, and poor program outcomes. Here are some common issues and tips to keep your data in top shape: Inconsistent Data: Variations in data formats, units, or naming methods in data collection can lead to confusion and errors. For example, if there isn’t prior agreement on whether to measure height in centimeters or inches, the data may have errors. Solution: Standardize data entry processes and use data validation tools to check your data entry. Even a simple excel spreadsheet can be standardized with a set of possible answers for each variable. Missing Data: Incomplete records can skew analysis and lead to inaccurate insights. For example, if only 30 of 65 patients have their blood pressure taken, an accurate average blood pressure for the group cannot be analyzed. Solution: Implement mandatory fields in forms and regularly audit your datasets, include training on how minimise missing values and agree on a consistent way to analyze and present data with missing values. Duplicated Data: Repeated entries can inflate metrics and distort results. One common issue is double counting people who benefit from a project or program. For example, if a person is participating in a health outreach initiative and may also be receiving cash vouchers, both teams might count this person and it may be hard to figure out. Solution: Use deduplication tools and regularly clean your databases to check for dual participation. Outdated Data: Old data can be irrelevant or misleading, especially in the fast-moving area of health. For example, using old data sources  in one’s literature reviews or to inform your program planning can lead to misuse of information. Solution: Set up automatic updates where possible and periodically review data for relevancy. Human Error: Manual data entry is prone to mistakes that can reduce accuracy. For example, a simple typo can vastly change a value and lead to outliers that skew your data. Solution: Digitize data entry processes through the use of programs like KoboToolkit and ODK where possible and provide proper staff training. Ensuring high-quality data is essential for driving accurate insights and informed decisions. Alanda strives to provide clean, reliable analysis and can help your team to achieve seamless data collection practices. Let’s prioritize clean, reliable data for better outcomes! #DataQuality #DataManagement #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #Analytics

How can we ensure our team’s efforts are effective and sustainable?  Often, one-off trainings may not lead to the desired results.  Instead, investing in long-term training for our staff and volunteers can be a better route: What can this look like? Some of our favorites are: Continued Training Sessions: Instead of an intensive one-week training, try regular training sessions. These allow team members to build on previous knowledge, continue practicing a new skill, and get updated on the latest developments in the field. The intervals between training sessions allow people to practice the new skill or apply the new knowledge. For example: four times a year, your Noncommunicable Disease projects team engages in a whole-day training, where they discuss their work and receive assignments to complete before the next session. Coached or supervised practice: When it comes to new skills, testing them out with a coach or supervisor who can provide immediate feedback has been shown to give great results, in everything from surgeons working in the operating room to Community Health Workers conducting household visits. While the term “supervision” can have negative connotations, this support can make all the difference if done correctly, so of course, training your supervisors on coaching methodologies is also critical! Peer-to-peer cross-checks: Nothing like a little bit of friendly competition to boost results. Peer-to-peer cross-checks have teams working on similar issues “supervise” each other based on a systematic list of issues. Looking for other people’s areas of opportunity is a great eye-opener to our own areas of opportunity! For example, labor room teams cross-check each other’s rooms and work based on a checklist of pre-established best practices, and then discuss the results and areas of opportunity. Communities of practice are all the rage these days and they allow people to gather with peers working on similar issues and exchange on best practices. It provides opportunities for brainstorming solutions, and also for growth and networking.  For example: a community of practice focused on what works in household visits carried out by Community Health Workers. Personalized Pathways: Tailored training plans that integrate seamlessly into daily work, allowing for practical and relevant skill development. Ex: sharing personal professional experiences from the field during training helps you to brainstorm new development goals for yourself, that are specific to your technical areas of interest. What are the benefits? Enhanced expertise and improved project outcomes. Greater job satisfaction and higher retention rates.  Stronger teamwork and motivation rates Long-term training is an investment not only in our teams but in the health of our communities.  Learn more about how we can help you set up effective and evidence-based training programs at alandahealth.com/services #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #ContinuousLearning #HealthEquity 

Cases of Mpox are rising and the global health community is concerned. Here’s what you need to know: What is Mpox? Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is caused by a virus related to the one responsible for smallpox, a disease that is now eradicated. Mpox is nowhere as alarming as smallpox, yet it can cause severe disease and death in a proportion of cases. Why the concern? In recent weeks, there have been increased reports of Mpox cases primarily in Africa, with some cases also reported in other global regions. On August 13, 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). What has changed? Mpox is spreading through two main variants Clade Ia: This outbreak is mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Mpox is endemic, and primarily affects children. Of the 7,851 reported cases, 39% are in children under 5, with 240 deaths (62% of total deaths). Clade Ib: Found mainly in Eastern DRC, this outbreak affects mostly adults. As of May 26, 2024, the DRC reported 7,851 Mpox cases with 384 deaths, resulting in a 4.9% fatality rate. What are the symptoms? The most characteristic symptom is a Mpox rash that starts as flat, discolored spots (macules), then develops into small, raised bumps (papules), turning into fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), which become pus-filled sores (pustules). Finally, the sores form hardened crusts (scabs) as they heal. How is Mpox spread (transmitted)?  From animal to human Mpox can be transmitted through direct contact with fluids, waste, or scratches/bites from infected animals like mice, rats and squirrels. Consuming infected animals is less common, but precautions should include cooking meat thoroughly. From human to human  Mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact with rashes or scabs that are not healed, contact with bodily fluids like saliva or mucus, sexual contact involving rashes on genitals, and direct interactions like talking or kissing. How to prevent the spread of Mpox? Take precautionary measures, practice good hygiene and engage in safe sexual practice's. For long-term protection, vaccines are recommended for high-risk individuals, though supplies are limited in affected regions, such as African countries. What can you do? If you experience Mpox symptom's contact your local health center or physician. If you are a healthcare worker, ensure you understand symptoms, the modes of transmission and wear personal protective equipment. All of us, but especially those of us working in public health and science communication - educate ourselves and share information from trusted sources to combat stigma and misinformation. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have websites that you can visit for reliable information and updates (shared in the comments). What questions do you have about Mpox?  We’re happy to answer them!

Picture this - you’ve invested in a new training program for your staff, and you are excited about the growth it could bring to your team. But how do you know that it will actually make a difference in your team’s results? Enter Kirkpatrick's Training Evaluation Model, a robust and widely recognized method for evaluating training effectiveness, at all levels, including the results level! The model focuses on evaluating a training on 4 different levels: 🗣 Reaction: Measures how participants respond to the training (did they like it, would they recommend it, etc) 📚 Learning: Assesses the increase in knowledge or skills (e.g. through a post-test quiz) 🤝 Behavior: Evaluates the change in behavior on the job (usually some months after the training) ✅ Results: Determines the impact on the organization's outcomes (which will take some time and will likely be due to several factors and not just the training) When you are clear on what are the results at the organizational level that you are aiming for with a training, this model can help you determine how effective the training was in achieving those results. It ensures well-rounded, reachable insights that align with your team’s needs, and that can guide the collection of participant feedback, the conduction of assessments, and any behavioral change and program impact that result from your training. At Alanda, we are all about evidence, so we love using Kirkpatrick's model or similar ones when developing and evaluating trainings to ensure we are truly providing value for your team. Want to learn more? Visit alandahealth.com/services. #Training #ProfessionalDevelopment #KirkpatrickModel #LearningAndDevelopment #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth

In our previous post, we presented three good reasons to carry out a needs assessment BEFORE starting your project design: 1️⃣ Identifying the needs of the target population 2️⃣ Understanding local context  3️⃣ Establishing existing strengths and potential roadblocks The post can be found here: 👇 https://lnkd.in/ge79SuEE But how does it actually work, when you are carrying out a needs assessment? 🤔 Let’s explain it with an example! 🔍 At Alanda, one of our favorite needs assessments (and we’ve done a few!) was the one we conducted in Guyana some years ago🌍. We were supporting an international organization aiming to set up an ambitious project in health and climate change, and they needed the assessment to add to the project proposal they were sending to a donor. We collaborated with an amazing partner in Guyana, who had a deep understanding of the country’s context (political, economic, social, environmental), and could point us to the right partners to talk to within the government, academia, NGOs and others. What did we do? 🤔 📑 We read and analyzed a big pile of documents to understand Guyana’s epidemiological situation, health risks, vulnerability to natural disasters, and climate change risks, taken into consideration the country’s geography, population needs, and infrastructure. 👥 We Interviewed key stakeholders to fill gaps in the document review, compare data, determine if the project was relevant and feasible, identify necessary stakeholders for project success and determine where the roadblocks may appear. 🗣 We carried out focus group discussions with key groups to gather information on people’s views and perspectives to understand what could realistically be achieved. 📄 We brought all of this data together, analyzed it and weaved it into a coherent and reader-friendly report that answered the key questions asked by our partner organization and helped them improve and refine their project. Interested in receiving support for your project needs assessment or learning more about our services? Visit us at alandahealth.com/services and reach out to us to see how we can collaborate 🤝. Have you ever conducted a needs assessment for a project or study? What did you discover and how did that impact your project/intervention? 🚀 #needsassesment #projectmanagement #globalhealth #publichealth

Do you remember what happened on the first day of your new job? 🤔 Chances are you underwent some form of training, whether it was a dull PowerPoint or a dynamic workshop, it likely shaped your experience. Training is something we all have participated in at some point in our lives. And let’s face it, some of them have been booooring and not very useful 🙄 At Alanda, we’re on a quest to redefine training for public and global health professionals to ensure every training creates knowledge, transforms knowledge into action, and action into results 🚀🌎 In this redefining exercise, here are some of the myths that we find are most harmful for effective training. Myth 1: The goal of the training is a transfer of knowledge Fact: Effective training requires clear objectives for the training. There are very rare cases where the goal is purely knowledge transfer as you want to ensure people work or act in a new way (e.g. a healthcare worker engages differently with pregnant women) so that a tangible result can be achieved (e.g. Pregnant women feel heard and respected, and continuing antenatal care visits) Myth 2: Uni-directorial training works (I mean, everyone is doing it so…) Fact: We call unidirectional training the one where the person “holding the knowledge” stands in front of a group and talks and talks. You’ve likely experienced it. There is a lot of research suggesting that this is not the most effective way to transfer knowledge and much less to generate a change in behavior. Interactive, bi or multidirectional methods like group discussions, scenario immersion and supervised practice are more engaging and effective. Myth 3: One-off training creates results Fact: Sadly, most training, especially if they are short (and unidirectional), and not paired with a strong follow up strategy, leading to poor results. Training is better seen as a continuous process, where a first training can then lead to subsequent refreshers or other ways to keep building on that learning. Changing behaviours is hard, so a single instance of training is rarely enough. Myth 4: I have a pre and post training test, I’m evaluating my training Facts: While immediate feedback is valuable, people being happy with the training and having learned something is not why you set up a training in the first place. You want to see changes in behaviour (how we talk to pregnant women) and check that those changes actually lead to results (more pregnant women having positive antenatal birth experiences) . True success of the training needs to be measured later, not right after the training, so that trainees have had time to apply their skills in real-life settings and results have a chance to accumulate. Our team at Alanda can help you deliver meaningful training for results. If you want to know more, send us an email at: projects@alandahealth.com Tell us about a great training experience that truly helped you change your way of doing things? What was it like?