The need for health education in Cambodia far exceeds the MoH’s human and financial resources. Donor and NGO assistance is very important, however, it typically lacks the sustainability essential for effecting behavioral change. The Reproductive and Child Health Alliance (RACHA) with the MoH supports innovative approaches to bring RCH services to rural communities. Health is often not a top priority – villagers value roads, water sources, and credit more highly despite their need for better health. Recognizing these priorities, RACHA developed a micro-credit program based on group lending. Very small loans are made to villagers, mostly women, for incoming generating activities – seed, fertilizer, livestock and shop supplies. Borrower groups are formed based on the loan purpose. Their credit worthiness is checked with village leaders. Loans of $50 or less – a lot in rural villages – are made at four percent interest. The group is collectively responsible for re-payment, scheduled for the post-harvest period. This creates peer-pressure to repay. Some $5,000 has been advanced through two lending cycles with 100 percent re-payment. Loan interest covers administrative costs and finances health promotion in participating (and other) villages. Health contests for village women who were targeted by preceding health promotion campaigns are funded this way. Women receive points for following correct practices and for correct knowledge about proper health behaviors. Based on final scores, women are awarded prizes – e.g., sarongs, soap. The contests generate considerable enthusiasm and enlivened the learning process for the women, while the loan program generates essential funding.
Learning Objectives: At the completion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. recognize that when government budgets are insufficient to sustain health promotion activities, alternative sources of revenue at the community level can often be found. 2. understand how linking health activities to top priorities of rural communities, such as the need for affordable credit, can help to achieve multiple objectives through one program.
Keywords: Health Promotion,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.