“Use this model in Kisii as a success story.” – Kisii County Representative
KIKOP recently released the ‘Kisii County Department of Health (KCDoH) Satisfaction Report’ which describes the successes of the partnership between KIKOP and the KCDoH and outlines opportunities for improving the delivery of maternal and child health care services in Kisii County. The report details findings that emerged from in-depth-interviews that occurred in the summer of 2022 with twelve key KCDoH stakeholders from Kitutu Chache North, Kitutu Chache South, and Kisii County. The purpose of those interviews was to understand the level of satisfaction with KIKOP’s community programming and health facility improvements and to learn how the partnership can be strengthened. A summary of the main findings is outlined below.
Successes of the partnership between KIKOP and the KCDoH
KCDoH representatives shared that the major successes of the partnership include KIKOP’s assistance with staffing facilities, training and providing stipends for community health volunteers (CHVs), and installing solar panels at Matongo and Nyagoto. CHVs have done important work tracing pregnant mothers and educating them about the importance of attending antenatal care appointments and delivering in a facility.
“[CHVs] carry messages on our behalf. They are ambassadors, advocates…people in those communities trust them with the information they get.” – KCS Representative
The addition of solar panels has been hugely beneficial because they enable 24-hour, continuous care. Participants shared that the ability to assist with night deliveries has been key.
“With solar you are assured…you will never visit the facility and someone will tell you there’s no power. So that’s beautiful. Women love it. The solar is amazing.” – KCS Representative
KIKOP’s efforts in community mobilization are greatly appreciated by staff and community members and have contributed to a significant increase in the number of facility deliveries.
Areas where improvements in maternal and child health are needed
Participants recognized the significant gaps in health services and supplies across public facilities. They shared that low staffing numbers, drug and commodity shortages, and accessibility and transportation issues are major challenges to the delivery of maternal and child health care.
"If someone comes in with hypertension and you don't have the specific drugs needed to prevent that, you are tortured that you've not given the best.” – KCS Representative
Challenges with accessibility are related to poverty, power outages, the frequently delayed ambulatory system, and long distances between communities and facilities. You can help KIKOP bridge these gaps by joining us in providing two ultrasounds for our partner facilities, so that complications during pregnancy and delivery can be identified and referred early.
“The referral system is not good. Sometimes you have an emergency that requires moving facilities, but you're told the ambulance doesn't have fuel…it's a systems failure. A referral system should be effective.” – KCS Representative
Representatives expressed a need for more staff members and explained how staffing shortages lead to burnout and demotivation. Participants expressed a desire for KIKOP to assist with operationalizing a theater so more surgeries could be performed at their facilities. Some participants suggested equipping all facilities with a standing ambulance to address some of the issues with the ambulatory system and transportation.
Community Health Volunteers meet to share successes and barriers they have come across when meeting with pregnant women and mothers.
Perspectives on the partnership and perceived sustainability
Overall, representatives were very pleased and motivated by the partnership between KIKOP and the KCDoH. Representatives shared that KIKOP has helped bring the needs of the community to the KCDoH’s attention and helped the KCDoH better deliver health services. Participants shared that they would like to see more engagement with KIKOP at the sub-county level and have more frequent review meetings where program updates can be shared.
There were mixed responses regarding the perceived sustainability of KIKOP and its programs if Curamericas Global could no longer provide funding.
“Now that you're in the community and the community is aware of you, I believe the working relationship can still continue. It is now on the county government to put emphasis and to strengthen.” – KCN Representative
Several representatives shared that government support and stipends for CHVs would be critical to sustain the program. Many representatives expressed a desire for KIKOP to partner with other organizations that work on broader maternal, family, and reproductive health initiatives in the region to help fill gaps and promote long-term partnerships.
Conclusion
Overall, KCDoH representatives are very pleased with the work KIKOP has done in health facility strengthening and community mobilization. Representatives would like to see the partnership continue and be expanded so more communities can benefit from the work KIKOP and the KCDoH have done in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Kisii County.
“Our relationship with Curamericas is the type of relationship I'd like to see never stop.” – Kisii County Representative
Comments