An innovative model of capacity building for economic security and improved health outcomes: The FXB (Franҫois-Xavier Bagnoud) Village Network

Background: Considerable debate on the benefits and challenges of poverty reduction strategies, such as cash-transfers and microfinancing initiatives, and their impact on health status, continues. The FXB-Village Network is a unique model that integrates immediate provision of basic needs (e.g. access to potable water, adequate housing, etc.) with financial training to promote economic security and improved health outcomes for highly vulnerable families. Methods: In 2009, all households included in the three-year FXB-Village Network program in Rwanda and Uganda (n=1,675) completed a structured baseline questionnaire and a random sub-sample (n=615) participated in a similar follow-up assessment one year later. Health status, economic situation, and food security, among other outcomes, were examined. Results: Initial results demonstrated some improvement in economic and health outcomes after the one-year of follow-up. Those who reported only one meal per day decreased from 28% to 0.1% (p<0.001). Reporting of household water treatment increased (62%-99%; p<0.001) and the one-month prevalence of diarrheal disease among children under five declined (27%-9%; p<0.001). School enrollment and attendance improved and the number of household assets increased. In particular, owning small livestock as well as large livestock increased (18%-40%; p<0.001). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that an integrated model of support for basic needs and financial training demonstrates an increase in economic assets and food security as well as a reduction in morbidity due to diarrheal disease among children under five. Further study of this innovative model may inform the broader discussion of poverty reduction strategies and the relationship with improved health outcomes.