Strong, formalized community health programs can save lives, but they are often underfunded, disjointed, poorly managed, and understocked. In Burkina Faso, many people lack access to basic health care, and according to the Lancet, more than 10% of children died before their fifth birthday in 2019.
Under an initial three-year agreement with the Burkina Faso Ministry of Health, Living Goods will provide technical assistance to strengthen community health care and integrate it into the primary health care system while fostering an enabling environment for long-term, government-led sustainability.
Living Goods uses data-driven performance management, incentive systems, regular in-service training, and supportive supervision to support governments to ensure CHWs can deliver high-quality primary health care services—including family planning and reproductive health care. CHWs increase the use of contraception, especially where unmet need is high, access is low, and geographic and social barriers exist.
- Improving access and filling gaps: CHWs provide a range of family planning services safely and effectively, ensuring that women can make informed choices and enjoy increased access to affordable options. In Uganda, CHWs trained and supported by Living Goods to deliver family planning services reached 47% of women of reproductive age in their communities.
- Overcoming physical obstacles: CHWs bring services and supplies to women where they live and work, saving them trips to health facilities that may be far away or inaccessible. They also help clients navigate health systems by keeping track of facilities with long-term methods and providing referral follow-ups and reminders.
- Addressing social barriers: CHWs come from the communities they serve and have long-standing relationships with their clients, built on trust. This means they are well-placed to provide education on family planning, overcome myths and misconceptions, and stimulate behavior change over time.