Pierre-Marie Metangmo, MD, MBA, MPH, Plan International, Senior CS Program Coordinator, 3260 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 21, Arlington, VA 22201, 703 807 0190, pierremarie.metangmo@plan-international.org and Dennis Thuralayil Cherian, MHA, Plan International, Child Survival Health Associate, 3260 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 21, Arlington, VA 20170.

The Chalkboard initiative, a Kwale Child Survival(CS) Program achievement, includes the development of a community-based health information system that is working, improved health information, use of information and financial management of health facilities.

The display of a large chalkboard containing health and financial information, in all 14 health facilities managed by CS program-trained Dispensary Health committee’s (DHCs), is not only unique and innovative, but also demonstrates community ownership.

A final evaluation and facility assessment of the 14 DHCs indicated that DHCs: (1) managed health information by collecting data, analyzing, reporting and planning for community health; (2) reported monthly and cumulative health information on the chalkboard, that includes, births, deaths, number of under 5 year olds weighed, number undernourished, illness episodes, women and children vaccination status by type of vaccine, number of antenatal visits, number of nets sold and treated ; (3) displayed total monthly and cumulative revenues, and expenditures, balance and savings as public information; (4) developed constitutions, opened bank accounts and employed clerks to collect revenue and assist with financial management; (5) know their monthly and yearly targets for immunizations; and hold monthly meetings to review scheduled activities; (6) formed Debt Recovery Committees who follow up clients that have not paid for services rendered, or insecticide treated bed nets sold on credit; (7) increased revenues in 100% (14) of the CS program health facilities and used revenues to cover various operational costs.

Recommendation: Peripheral health center management is effective with community- based data management and decision making.

Learning Objectives:

• 4. Describe a community-based health information system that has improved health information,use of information, and improved financial management of health facilities.
  9. List seven key accomplishments that indicate community empowerment in data and program management.

Keywords: Community Health Planning, Third World

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Discussing a child survival accomplishment of Plan International in Kenya
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: USAID funded Kwale Child Survival Project in Kenya