Public Health Educator

Rural communities in Eswatini are looking to promote healthy behaviors among the youth and improve health clinics processes.

Eswatini has made major strides in HIV education and is the first African country close to meeting the UNAIDS 2030 target goals. Still, significant challenges persist. HIV prevalence among individuals age 15 and above remains 27 percent, and both frequent medicine shortages and high HIV-TB co-infection rates strain the country’s health system. STIs are widespread among youth with about 25 percent of tested young women ages 20-24 having an STI. Knowledge and behavior gaps also slow progress. Only half of young people understand HIV transmission, less than half of unmarried youth consistently use condoms, and only 30 percent know how to use them correctly.

As Public Health Educator, you will facilitate clubs and activities that promote life skills and healthy behaviors for youth ages 9-24. Alongside health workers, you will identify ways to improve the clinical supply chain process. More informed young people and stronger health systems will reduce the transmission of HIV and STIs for a healthier, more resilient country.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

Volunteers will live on a host family homestead in a stand-alone, private hut in any of Eswatini’s four regions. While electricity is widely available and most Volunteers live with modern conveniences, Volunteers should also be prepared to live without electricity and running water.

Gain high-quality training and hands-on experience with community health programming designed to engage the youth.
Learn Siswati from skilled Language and Cross-Culture Facilitators.
Build meaningful relationships and experience the strength that comes with community connections.

Facilitate youth club meetings for teens to practice life skills through participatory activities and discussions.
Plan and facilitate HIV treatment-adherence clubs for youth living with and/or affected by HIV.
Support health education sessions for people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Strengthen systems used for ordering, storing, and tracking health supplies.
Plan and conduct training to improve pharmaceutical management and commodities in health facilities.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as after-school sports or creative arts.

As a Public Health Educator, you will be trained on positive youth development strategies, effective youth club practices, as well as HIV and STI prevention methods. Peace Corps/Eswatini will teach you Siswati to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.

After nine weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with health professionals to assess needs and develop solutions based on evidence-based health practices.