In Kenya Community Health Workers are now called Community Health Promoters.
A unique idea for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kakamega County "Mobile Health Education and Screening Units" project. They are involved in outfitting bicycles with health screening tools (like blood pressure monitors, glucose testing kits, and basic diagnostic equipment) and mobile phones with health education resources.
Here’s how it works:
Mobile Health Units: CHPs are trained to operate these mobile units, traveling to remote villages and underserved areas within Kakamega County. These units offer health screenings (e.g., for hypertension, diabetes, malnutrition, etc.) and provide basic medical supplies (like mosquito nets or first-aid kits).
Health Education and Awareness: The mobile units can also distribute educational materials and conduct small group sessions on topics such as maternal health, HIV prevention, family planning, nutrition, and sanitation.
Data Collection and Monitoring: Using mobile phones, CHPs gather data about health trends in different villages, track patients with chronic conditions, and send real-time health data to local health centers, improving the county’s health surveillance system.
Community Engagement: Organize local “health days” community dialogue days where CHPs partner with local leaders and health professionals to discuss urgent health matters, conduct screenings, and improve health literacy.
They are bridging gaps in access to healthcare in rural areas of Kakamega, promote preventive health measures, and empower communities through education while fostering trust between CHPs and the people they serve.
HIFA profile: Kristine Yakhama is Coordinator at Good Health Community Programmes in Kenya. Professional interests: Maternal Neonatal Child Health. kristineyakhama AT gmail.com
