244137 An innovative model of capacity building for economic security and improved health outcomes: The FXB (Franҫois-Xavier Bagnoud) Village Network

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Mary C. Smith Fawzi, ScD , Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Joy Gebre-Medhin, MS , FXB International, Kigali, Rwanda
Adam Collins, BSc , 44, rue de Lausanne, FXB International, Genève, Switzerland
William Kibaalya, MS , FXB International, Kampala, Uganda
Damascene Ndayisaba, BA , FXB International, Kigali, Rwanda
Emily Harrison, MS , François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Elena Chopyak, BA , François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Bilge Bassani, MA , FXB International, Geneva, Switzerland
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.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Program planning
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the economic situation and health status of families enrolled in the FXB-Village Network in Rwanda and Uganda; Assess changes in economic and health outcomes at baseline compared to assessment after one-year of follow-up; and Discuss the findings in light of the FXB-Village Network model that integrates support for basic needs and financial training as a comprehensive strategy for promotion of economic security and improved health outcomes for vulnerable families.

Keywords: International Health, Developing Countries

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified because I have consulted on monitoring and evaluation for FXB International programs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.