Peer Educators as Community Pillars During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for India’s healthcare system and health workers. However, one group that stepped up to the plate in a remarkable way were the Peer Educators (PEs) from the country’s National Adolescent Health Programme – Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).
Despite not being formally trained for pandemic response, these young volunteers took on crucial roles that went far beyond their original responsibilities under RKSK. They became central figures in curbing the spread of COVID-19, addressing community and adolescent needs, supporting vaccination efforts, and bridging access to the healthcare system.
The Unique Role of RKSK’s Peer Education Program
Launched in 2014, RKSK marks a milestone in India’s efforts to promote adolescent health and wellbeing. A key component is the peer education program, which selects and trains 15-20 adolescents (aged 15-17) from each village. These Peer Educators then form peer groups, conduct weekly village sessions on RKSK’s thematic areas, and refer adolescents to Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) when needed.
PEs play a critical role as a link between adolescents and healthcare providers like doctors, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). However, until now, the RKSK program has not been comprehensively evaluated, leaving the true impact of PEs largely unexplored.
“PEs demonstrated tenacity and adaptability, extending their roles beyond their predefined responsibilities.”
Rising to the Occasion: PEs During COVID-19
A recent qualitative study, part of the ‘i-Saathiya’ implementation research, shed light on the remarkable contributions of PEs during the COVID-19 crisis. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 110 stakeholders across two Indian states – Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra – to understand how PEs adapted and responded.
The findings revealed that despite most RKSK activities being disrupted, PEs played a central role in the COVID-19 response, undertaking a diverse range of tasks that went beyond their original program responsibilities.
1. COVID-19 Pandemic Response Support
PEs were at the forefront of sensitizing their communities about critical COVID-19 appropriate behaviors. They conducted rallies, created wall paintings and slogans, and even distributed essential items like masks and sanitizers to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
“Saathiyas (Peer Educators) have done good work, they took out rallies, wrote slogans on walls to spread awareness in the society about the COVID-19-appropriate behaviors.” – NGO Trainer Mentor, Panna (Madhya Pradesh)
Additionally, PEs supported healthcare workers in maintaining crucial records, such as tracking migrant populations and monitoring home quarantines. Their community connections proved invaluable in these contact tracing and surveillance efforts.
2. Meeting Community and Adolescent Needs
During the lockdowns, when access to essential supplies was limited, PEs stepped in to distribute critical items like menstrual hygiene products, groceries, and medicines to families in need. They even helped generate employment opportunities for community members by organizing mask-making initiatives.
“Those who were in red zones and not able to go out and buy anything. So, they call us (PEs) for necessities like milk, bread, and even medicines and we buy them and leave them outside their home.” – Male PE, Maharashtra
3. Boosting COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
PEs played a pivotal role in addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting uptake within their communities. They organized awareness campaigns, composed folk songs, and even got vaccinated themselves to set an example. Their efforts helped achieve vaccination coverage as high as 90% in some villages.
“When the vaccination started many of our PEs helped the communities by motivating them to get vaccinated and raising awareness about COVID-19 vaccination and overcome hesitancy related to the vaccination along with our NGO Trainer Mentors.” – Nodal Officer RKSK, Madhya Pradesh
4. Navigating Access to the Healthcare System
PEs continued serving as the first point of contact for adolescents seeking healthcare, informing them about symptoms and guiding them to the nearest health facilities, including AFHCs. In some cases, they even accompanied young people to the clinics, leveraging their connections with community health workers.
“If their (PEs’) friends share their health issues with them, they let us know and then we convey that message to the staff at Primary Health Centre.” – ASHA, Nashik (Maharashtra)
5. Supporting Other National Health Programs
Beyond their COVID-19 response, PEs also supported the implementation of other national health initiatives, such as the Maternal and Child Health Program, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and deworming campaigns. They motivated community members to participate and facilitated health workers in these endeavors.
“Whatever health programmes are there, including the government programmes, the PEs supported these programmes at the village level and they motivated the people so that these programmes can reach out to the people and they too get connected with these programmes.” – NGO Representative, Panna (Madhya Pradesh)
Recognizing the Potential of Peer Educators
The findings from this study underscore the remarkable resilience and adaptability of PEs, who stepped up to support their communities during an unprecedented crisis. Despite lacking formal training for pandemic response, they demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of their peers and families.
“PEs with support from community health workers are able to play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the communities during a pandemic.”
These insights highlight the untapped potential of PEs as an integral part of India’s public health system. By providing them with enhanced skills, recognition, and support, the RKSK program can further empower these young leaders to drive lasting impact on adolescent health and community resilience.
Some key recommendations to strengthen the role of PEs:
- Offer continuous training and skill-building opportunities to enhance their capabilities
- Establish formal mechanisms for recognition, such as awards and incentives, to boost their motivation
- Integrate PEs more seamlessly into the healthcare system, potentially through paid positions or additional grades
- Leverage digital platforms to maintain consistent communication and support for PEs, especially in times of crisis
- Conduct regular evaluations to identify areas for improvement and maximize the impact of the peer education model
As India charts its path towards a healthier future, the dedicated efforts of PEs during COVID-19 serve as a testament to the transformative power of youth engagement and community-driven solutions. By investing in this promising model, the country can unlock the full potential of its young people to build resilient, inclusive, and empowered communities.
