Rethinking Service Delivery for Underserved Populations
Credit: PMC360
The PMC360 project implements its strategy via a two-prong approach: an integrated community-based medical outreach and primary health care (PHC) strengthening. “Our work is informed by available evidence. For instance, before outreaches, we conduct community health needs assessments through surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members. This helps us to prioritize,” Dr. Charles explains.
To build trust, the team works with community health extension workers (CHEWs) who are well known in the community. PMC360 provides a range of integrated services, including:
- Health education.
- Antenatal care services.
- Immunization.
- Nutritional status assessment.
- Sexual and reproductive health services including family planning.
Specifically, to scale up family planning uptake, the project focuses on awareness, male involvement, and an adolescent- and youth-friendly approach. Dr. Charles notes, “While we provide family planning services for married women and other women, we believe that young people are vital to family planning progress, and we tailor services to their needs.”
To sustain the gains of the project, the PMC360 team relies on a health system-strengthening model. “We strengthen available primary health care facilities through the donation of medical supplies and building the capacity of CHEWs,” says Dr. Charles.