Community-based delivery of MNH services
Implementation research to evaluate the ability of community health workers (CHWs) to deliver high quality, evidence-based, client demanded MNH services in rural communities. The research will piggyback on an IRC-supported CHW program in rural South Sudan. Through this research, EQUAL will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community based MNH service delivery, accounting for both financial cost and implications to CHW time and effort.
WHAT
Community health systems are a central part of effective health systems and can help governments quickly pivot to provide essential care when facility-based services are disrupted. The COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of climate change, and the ongoing challenges brought on by conflict, have further demonstrated the need for strengthening options for delivering lifesaving care and reducing the risk of preventable deaths. Community-based maternal and new-born care (CBMNC) programs in countries like Malawi, Bangladesh and Nepal have demonstrated significant reductions in poor pregnancy outcomes. Despite this, very limited CBMNC research has been conducted in conflict-affected contexts, particularly outside of refugee camps.
WHY
Implementation research to evaluate the IRC’s community-based MNH care programs in Dhusamareb, Somalia and Aweil East, South Sudan. This will increase understanding of the factors – including those unique to humanitarian contexts – that affect the process and results of a community-based MNH care program delivering evidence-based, life-saving services in areas with limited access to health facilities.
HOW
Galgaduud, Somalia; Aweil East, South Sudan