Living Goods

On the last day of the Lake Region Digital Health Conference, delegates explored innovative results from a study on an E-learning platform (Learning Management System - LMS) deployed in Busia County by Living Goods. This platform, piloted from January to June 2023, served as a sustainable and cost-effective model for the continuous training of Community Health Promoters (CHPs). The study aimed to improve access to targeted health education, enabling CHPs to enhance their technical knowledge in maternal and child health service delivery. The LMS offered a flexible, self-paced learning approach, allowing CHPs to access critical content on demand. It demonstrated significant savings in logistical costs for training, reducing the average monthly in-service training cost of KES 2,000 per CHP and realizing a total savings of KES 1,274,400 during the study period. Results showed that 80% of CHPs actively engaged with the platform’s training modules, and 98% reported increased knowledge retention after using the LMS. This digital learning tool not only enhanced the capabilities of CHPs but also proved to be an efficient, scalable solution for continuous capacity building. As the healthcare landscape embraces digital transformation, eCHIS presents further opportunities to integrate eLearning into ongoing professional development for CHPs, ensuring they stay updated and skilled to deliver quality care in their communities. #LRDHC2024 #DigitalHealth #ElearningForHealth #ContinuousLearning #CommunityHealth #CapacityBuilding #HealthInnovation #TechForGood #MaternalAndChildHealth #HealthcareTransformation #CHPsTraining

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health - Uganda, in partnership with Living Goods, presented the progress of the Building Integrated Readiness for Community Health (BIRCH) Project. The BIRCH project aims to strengthen community health programming in eleven countries, including Uganda. Dr. Meddy Rutayisire, Senior Technical Advisor at MoH, led the session in which he highlighted BIRCH’s vital role in streamlining community health policies and strategies, operational plans, and mapping of community health investments. Living Goods is supporting MoH to strengthen 7 out of 14 foundational elements for sustainable community health under the BIRCH Project which is implemented with funding from The Global Fund and technical support from Africa Frontline First (AFF), and Last Mile Health. The session also included a presentation on the Community Health Worker Maturity Assessment tool, which aims to help countries strengthen and fully leverage their community health programs. The tool assesses current baseline functionality across key community health components based on the latest evidence and practices and supports defining a systems improvement plan based on identified gaps and the country's long-term community health plan. Preliminary findings from the assessment were also shared.  #CommunityHealth #BIRCHProject #HealthPromotion #DiseasePrevention #LivingGoods #CHWs #GlobalFund #HealthForAll #SustainableHealth #UgandaHealth #PartnershipForHealth #PublicHealth #StrongerHealthSystems #PrimaryHealthCare #HealthPolicy

#GreatOppotunities We always list available opportunities on our website under the careers page. https://lnkd.in/dTT2tK9N Here are all our latest openings. https://lnkd.in/duWuFssv #Applynow #jobposts #LivingGoods

An engaging session on Digitizing Community Health Systems for Better Health Outcomes was held at the Lake Region Digital Health Conference (#LRDHC2024), where experts discussed innovative solutions for improving community health through digital transformation. The session featured Dr. Maureen Kimani, Head of Community Health at the Ministry of Health, Gabriel Masinde, Vihiga County’s Community Focal Person, Roy Bore MSc, FCCA, CEO of Health X-Africa, and Gitahi Ng'ang'a, Global Director Software Engineering at Living Goods, who explored the transformative role of digital tools in enhancing community health services. The integration of these tools into the workflows of community health workers (CHWs) has significantly reduced their burden, streamlining health service delivery. The electronic community health information system (#eCHIS) has not only standardized health messaging but also improved delivery through digital platforms, boosting CHWs' confidence. Masinde highlighted that in Vihiga County, this shift has empowered CHWs with accurate data, leading to improved community sanitation standards. Additionally, with these digital innovations, the possibility of a performance-based compensation model is being explored, as the system can track and calculate outputs in real-time. Moderated by Hildah N., Global Digital Health & Government Partnerships at Living Goods, key takeaways included: One year after digitizing CHWs, Vihiga County is already benefiting from reduced costs and improved performance management through real-time dashboards. National policies and standardization of community health systems are enabling large-scale adoption of digital tools. User-centric, scalable systems provide opportunities to address underserved populations, including differently-abled persons and the underinsured through telemedicine. As the discussion concluded, delegates were encouraged to consider the broader readiness for scaling these innovations. Emphasis was placed on understanding user needs, the purpose of the innovation, and ensuring that necessary infrastructure is in place. Sustainability and long-term value for target users remain essential for expanding digital health systems. #DigitalHealth #CommunityHealth #HealthInnovation #CHW #Telemedicine #SustainableHealth #HealthTech #PublicHealth #VihigaCounty #LakeRegion

At the Lake Region Digital Health Conference (#LRDHC2024), the "Women in Digital Health" session, moderated by Ruth Ngechu from PATH, shared key insights on advancing gender equity through digital innovation in healthcare. Dr. Margaret Njenga, CEO of PS Kenya, emphasized the integration of gender in healthcare strategies, particularly through social behavior change campaigns addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls. She highlighted the role of digital platforms in amplifying these voices to bridge healthcare gaps and promote equitable service delivery. Kanishka Katara, Chief Digital Health Officer at Living Goods, focused on the potential of technology to close the gender gap in healthcare. Living Goods, recognizing that 80% of their Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are women, is committed to improving digital literacy, building CHW capacity, and strengthening community health systems. These efforts aim to improve healthcare outcomes, reduce digital inequities, and enhance the economic well-being of CHWs. Ruth Okuthe of CarePay emphasized the importance of optimizing processes before digitizing them, cautioning against implementing digital solutions in inefficient systems. She noted that digital tools must be scaled and aggregated for consistency in public-sector healthcare. Dr. Ezinne V. C Onwuekwe, B.Pharm, PMP®, Founder and Executive Director of HealthTech Hub, discussed the significance of gender-sensitive needs assessments before deploying digital health tools. She highlighted successful community co-design initiatives in Tanzania that ensured transparency and alignment with local needs. The session reinforced the importance of a gender-sensitive approach to digital health innovations to enhance healthcare delivery and close gaps, particularly in underserved communities. #WomenInHealthTech #DigitalHealth #GenderEquity #CommunityHealth #HealthInnovation #CHWs #HealthcareTransformation #DigitalInclusion #LRDHC2024

Day 2 of the 3rd National Conference on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Kampala, Uganda: Ministry of Health - Uganda and Living Goods will present the progress made on the Building Integrated Readiness for Community Health (BIRCH) Project. Dr. Meddy Rutayisire, Senior Technical Advisor at MoH will lead the session titled "Consultative Review of Global Fund BIRCH Project Technical Assistance for Strengthening CHWs: A Partnership with Living Goods." The presentation will highlight the strategic relevance of BIRCH in reinforcing foundational elements of community health, including Policies/Strategies, Operational Plans, and Mapping of Community Health Investments. Under the BIRCH Project, Living Goods is spearheading efforts to develop and strengthen 7 out of 14 catalytic foundational elements for sustainable community health. Africa Frontline First The Global Fund Richard Muhumuza Meddy Rutayisire #CommunityHealth #BIRCHProject #HealthPromotion #DiseasePrevention #LivingGoods #CHWs #GlobalFund #HealthForAll #SustainableHealth #UgandaHealth #PartnershipForHealth #PublicHealth #StrongerHealthSystems #PrimaryHealthCare #HealthPolicy

#Happeningnow: The 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda. The conference, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, had a high-level panel with key leaders from the Ugandan Government and Partners, Anne Christine Namayanja Sensasi, Living Goods’ Country Director in Uganda. They emphasized the critical role of digital tools in enhancing community health efforts and called for better coordination and alignment of resources, urging all partners to align with Ministry of Health - Uganda plans to reduce resource duplication. The call is clear from all the panelists: better coordination, investment in national systems (one plan, one budget, one M&E framework), resource envelope increment, and a unified vision are needed to unlock the full potential of community health in Africa. Among the attendees were, Hon. Margaret Muhanga, Minister of State for PHC; Jennifer Barak, Regional Health Specialist, UNICEF ESARO Dr. RUYONGA JOSEPH - Chair, Parliamentary Health Committee; Dr. James Guwani, Coordinator CHW Division, Africa CDC, Dr. Assay Ndizihiwe, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Uganda. #HPConfUG24 #CommunityHealth #CHWs #HealthInnovation #PublicHealth #Sustainability

The inaugural Lake Region Digital Health Conference and Digital Conference (#LRHDC2024) is officially underway in Kisumu County! In his opening remarks, Prof. Anyang Nyong'o, Governor of COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KISUMU, emphasized that primary healthcare, particularly family and community health, is the foundation for achieving UHC. He highlighted the importance of innovative health financing as a key driver in this journey. Kisumu's UHC efforts began in 2018 with the digital registration of households, which helped identify indigent populations for health insurance support. Despite challenges such as inaccurate data responses, the county recognized the need for a comprehensive Community Health Information System (CHIS). In collaboration with Living Goods, Kisumu became the first county to fully implement the Electronic Community Health Information System (#eCHIS). This system uses household data to design targeted interventions, making health programs more responsive and effective for individuals, households, and communities. As he launched the county’s digital health roadmap, Prof. Nyong'o stressed the need for digital integration programs to ensure seamless sharing of health data across platforms, marking a significant advancement in healthcare delivery in the region. #LRHDC2024 #UHC #DigitalHealth #Innovation #CommunityHealth #Kisumu

We're live at the inaugural Lake Region Digital Health Conference (#LRDHC2024) session on "Integrating Digital Solutions into Kenya's UHC Agenda: Looking Ahead," moderated by Margaret Ndisha, Chief of Party, Digital Health, PATH, featuring key experts in digital health. Dr. Joan Oracha (DBA), Chief Programs Officer at Living Goods, shared how our co-financing model is an innovative solution that partners and governments can adopt to enhance healthcare delivery across counties. She emphasized that political goodwill and government ownership are essential for sustaining digital health programs and strengthening community health systems. While we commend the national government for initiating the digitization of community health workers, there is still much work to be done to create an enabling policy environment that ensures the longevity of these efforts. #UHC #DigitalHealth #CommunityHealth #Kenya #LRDHC2024

Join our Uganda Country Director, Anne Christine Namayanja Sensasi, and the rest of our team at the 3rd National Conference on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from tomorrow through Friday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda. Christine will be on a panel session discussing the role of CHWs in advancing the health promotion and disease prevention agenda and presenting key recommendations and the way forward for Uganda. See you there! Ministry of Health - Uganda, Dr. Richard Kabanda, PhD, MPH, MBA, FAIPH #HPConfUG24 #HealthPromotion #DiseasePrevention #CommunityHealth #Uganda #HealthCare #Partnership #Innovation