DATA COLLECTION TRAINING

The Africa Academy for Public Health (AAPH) participated in the DASH Data Collection preparatory activities held at the Chamwino DSS site from 26th to 29th August 2024, led by the University of Dodoma (UDOM). These activities played a key role in ensuring the success of the HDSS round and DASH Data Collection. One of the primary tasks during this period was the piloting and revision of the ODK data collection tools. The team reviewed and refined the tools based on challenges observed during the pilot phase, improving the accuracy and usability of the data collection forms while adjusting functionalities to meet the specific needs of the study.

In addition to the tools' revisions, UDOM and AAPH collaborated with village leaders and key community members to introduce the HDSS and DASH activities, ensuring clarity on the survey’s goals and the importance of community participation. By aligning local expectations with the survey’s objectives, the team fostered a sense of ownership and support for the data collection process. As part of these engagement efforts, a community sensitization event was held on August 29th, featuring local dancers and speakers in a vibrant, interactive setting. This cultural and informative event played a crucial role in strengthening relationships between the project team and the community, creating awareness, and ensuring the study would be well-received.

The sensitization event also provided an opportunity to address any concerns and encourage cooperation, reinforcing the significance of the community’s involvement in the data collection process. Through these activities, AAPH, alongside the University of Dodoma, played an instrumental role in building trust and ensuring that the community was well-prepared and motivated to participate  in DASH, paving the way for a successful data collection phase.