The value of integrated community engagement: The VoICE of CONTROL
CONTROL is an NIHR-funded research programme, that aims to develop and test a psychological intervention for treating depression in Pakistani and Afghan refugee Tuberculosis (TB) patients and to improve their adherence to anti-TB treatment. The CONTROL program is led by Professor Prof Saeed Farooq from Keele University (UK), & Dr. Zohaib Khan from Khyber Medical University-KMU (Pakistan). The fifth community engagement activity under the CONTROL project was conducted with Afghan refugees on 20 June 2023 at World Refugee Day 2023 at Khazana Refugee Camp. The aim was to promote inclusiveness among the Afghan refugees and highlight their importance as stakeholders in the CONTROL program. The engagement sessions focused on mental health, stigma, and infectious diseases like tuberculosis, and provided an orientation on CONTROL's scope of work. The VoICE program of CONTROL aims to establish strong linkages with community and patient groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Two engagement sessions were conducted separately for males and females, respecting the socio-cultural norms of the camps. The workshop was attended by 20 Afghan females aged 18-60 years, six Afghan teenage girls aged 12-17, and 20 refugee males aged 28-55 years. Facilitators highlighted the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and preventive measures for Tuberculosis. Community members actively joined the session, and a few participants shared their thoughts regarding TB and mental health. Under the CEI, a series of interactive information sessions in both urban and rural settings are arranged to cater to a variety of communities affected by TB and mental health issues and explicitly recognize the valuable expertise and insights that people with lived experience offer. This initiative expressly acknowledges the invaluable expertise and ideas contributed by individuals with personal experiences in these areas.
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