Providing Primary Health Care services in animal infested communities: District and community efforts in improving access to safe delivery of services

The household and Community IMCI is an integrated child care approach that aims at improving Key Family and Community Practices that are likely to have the greatest impact on child survival, growth and development. In Zambia, the concept has been key in the provision of equity of access to cost effective and quality of care as close to the families as possible. Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in collaboration with respective DHMTs have played an important role in Zambia in implementing community level initiatives addressing the primary health needs of children. The Primary Health Care (PHC) unit concept in Luangwa district of Zambia was launched in 1998 as a response to the high infant and maternal mortality ratios. Impact of improved access, capacity building of community level volunteers, strengthened community level referral system and community ownership of initiated interventions resulted in improved immunization, family planning new acceptors coverage, nutrition status of children institutional deliveries, reduced child mortality and 100% retention of community level volunteers. Community participation resulted in improved access to health services and sustained Primary Health Care services.

The objective of the Primary Health Care initiative was to strengthen participation of communities in improving access and sustaining the delivery of health services to challenged communities.