Action-for-Health

THE PROJECT

In February 2010, MHOP launched Action for Health, a new program to provide in-home health care and health education to women and children. Community Health Workers offer education and care to close to 2000 people, including initiatives to promote vaccination and prenatal care, and prevent malaria, diarrhea, malnutrition and respiratory infections. The program is designed to prevent 91% of child death in a place where one in five children dies before his or her fifth birthday.

'Community Health Worker?'

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the lifeblood of the clinic. Twelve community members - both men and women - have completed extensive training to recognize five deadly diseases. They visit participating families monthly to perform check-ups and share education. See their education tools here! CHWs also make expert recommendations to families to help save the lives of children under five.

THE INNOVATION

"Action-fees." Instead of charging user fees, which deter the poorest from seeking care, we charge "action-fees." All adults must participate in three health actions per year, such as donating labor for the Transforming Trash program or participating in Get out the Vote drives. This way, we create economic, social, and political capital without demanding cash from people who cannot afford to pay.

Community Health Workers. MHOP intensively trains local residents in simple primary care and health education techniques. Community Health Workers visit families twice monthly, evaluating each child's health. When a child is sick, the Community Health Worker accompanies the family to the clinic, ensuring that the sick child receives care.

Free care. To ensure that children get the care they need, MHOP covers the cost of treatment for the 5 leading killers of children under the age of 5 (diarrhea, malnutrition, malaria, acute respiratory infections and measles), as well as health emergencies.

Gabugu ka koro ni misiri-la.

The kitchen is older than the mosque.

-- Bambara proverb