Challenges and Opportunities for promoting Maternal, New born, and Child Health in urban informal settlements: perspectives of Community Health Volunteers in Nairobi, Kenya

  • Jane Osindo African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Pauline Bakibinga African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Nicholas Ngomi African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Eva Kamande African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Peterrock Muriuki African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Catherine Kyobutungi African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Keywords: Community Health Volunteers, Maternal and Child Health, Urban Informal Settlements, Kenya

Abstract

Across the world, Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) are recognised as first line health care providers. Overtime, the Kenyan government has acknowledged CHVs as an integral component in provision of first line health care services at   the community level. This paper uses data from four group discussions with CHVs and two key informant interviews with sub-County Community Strategy Coordinators to   examine the   lived experiences of CHVs. The findings show that meaningful engagement of   CHVs is hampered   by lack of logistical support, recognition, insecurity, and inadequate resources. Despite the bottlenecks, voluntarism is their greatest driving force. They noted that their work could be enhanced   through logistical support from the government involving training, provision of equipment, remuneration and recognition in the community. The findings suggest that there is need for close coordination between the national government and the community units for CHVs to contribute to improved health outcomes at the local level

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Jane Osindo, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Health Challenges ans Systems Program15
Pauline Bakibinga, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Health Challenges ans Systems Program
Nicholas Ngomi, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Health Challenges ans Systems Program
Eva Kamande, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Health Challenges ans Systems Program
Peterrock Muriuki, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Health Challenges ans Systems Program
Catherine Kyobutungi, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Health Challenges ans Systems Program
Published
2016-10-18
Section
Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)