Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

For this activity you will need:

 Copies of Handout 3

 Flipchart and markers

To facilitate this activity:

1 Introduce this topic by asking participants to brainstorm

the common diseases that affect children. Add any others

to their list, based on your facilitator’s notes.

2 Divide the participants into groups and assign one of these

common diseases or conditions to each group.

Ask the groups to discuss the following about the disease:

• Causes and symptoms of the disease


• Effects of the disease if it is not treated in time


• When to seek treatment


• Where to seek treatment in their communities


• What caregivers can do to prevent the disease


• Advice to caregivers on the actions they can take in
  the home when these health problems occur.

3 Groups will then report back in plenary. Write up their

inputs on the flipchart, supplementing and correcting their

ideas as you go. Finally, distribute Handout 3 for reference.

 Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms are very common and are mainly passed on to humans through poor

sanitation, rather than from food. Hygiene practices such as washing the hands after

defecating; and before eating or preparing food, are vital to stop worm eggs from entering

the mouth. Worms are parasites (they live off a person’s body); and children with worms

are robbed of their food and nutrients, causing weakness and poor growth.

There are many different types of worms that are dangerous, so children should be treated

regularly with medicine to get rid of the worms. Most worms are spread from human and

animal faeces. To prevent worm eggs (which are usually too small to see) from spreading,

all faeces should be properly disposed of. Animals should be kept away from areas where

children play, and children should be taught to wash their hands before eating.

 Skin infections

Skin infections, such as scabies, are also caused by poor sanitation. They may be most

common in areas where people do not have access to enough water to wash themselves

and their clothes regularly. Scabies is a skin disease that is caused by a small parasite which

lives in the skin and spreads easily from person to person. Scabies causes very itchy bumps

on the skin and, because it is caused by parasites, it makes a child weak and not able to grow

properly. Children with scabies should be treated and encouraged to wash often, if possible.

1 hour

(^244) Unit 2, Module 3 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children