Judy Macharia’s Post

Grace Thembo Mumbe, Chief Community Health Officer at MOH Zambia, highlights that even though community health workers are active in communities, if they and the communities do not understand climate change and its impact on health, there will be a rise in diseases, and there will be no resources to combat them. Grace sheds light on the urgent need for resources to build climate-resilient health systems in Zambia. Watch our video to see the challenges firsthand and understand the critical role of community health workers in addressing these issues. Join our free webinar titled “Strategic Investments in Primary Health Care for Climate-Resilient Health Systems” on 27th June 2024 at 1 PM EAT to find out how exactly we can achieve this with insights from a dynamic set of experts from a funder's perspective, a government’s perspective, a technical advisor's perspective, and, of course, from the community health workers themselves. Register here: https://lnkd.in/d_5m6sNH

#TheGlobalHealthAssociationofKenya (GHAK) is a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing global health standards in Kenya. As a collective of health professionals, researchers, and advocates, we are committed to addressing the most pressing health challenges facing our communities. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we strive to improve health outcomes and promote health equity for all Kenyans. Vision: To be a leading force in transforming global health practices and policies in Kenya, ensuring health equity and improved health outcomes for all. Mission: Our mission is to advance the study, understanding, and practice of global health in Kenya. We aim to empower health professionals, influence health policies, and foster collaborations that address health disparities and promote the well-being of all Kenyans.

The Director of Masters of Science in Public Health program Dr. Biraj Karmacharya, along with his collaborators from NTNU Norway, succeeded to share about their research experiences relating to health needs of rural population in the remote outreach centers of Dhulikhel Hospital, Department of Public Health and Community Programs through a "Global Health Action" magazine. The Department of Public Health and Community Programs was founded by Dr. Karmacharya in 2006, and currently there are 18 outreach centers in different parts of rural Nepal. The challenges and possible improvements in the work at the rural outreach centers and results were gathered and presented in this article. Please give a read: https://lnkd.in/gyWBhYYf

How can we ensure that community health workers (CHWs) are fully integrated into Africa's healthcare systems to achieve universal health coverage (UHC)? The contribution of CHWs to public health cannot be overstated. These trusted members of the community play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery, especially in under-served areas. During the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics, their presence was instrumental in contact tracing, vaccine distribution, and providing essential care (Ngongo et al., 2024). Yet, despite their critical roles, CHW programs face substantial operational and funding challenges, with a $5.4 billion annual funding gap (Gichaga et al., 2021). We must address fragmented coordination and underfunding, but the question remains—how do we scale up CHW programs sustainably? African governments, in collaboration with international bodies, need to develop long-term strategies that include sufficient training, supervision, and compensation for CHWs, as well as harmonizing funding efforts. The success of Ethiopia's health extension program is a powerful example of what’s possible when CHWs are supported. How can other countries replicate this model to bolster global health security? Access the paper below and drop your thoughts in the comments section. #CommunityHealthWorkers #GlobalHealth #UniversalHealthCoverage #HealthcareInnovation #PublicHealth #HealthSecurity #CHWPrograms #SustainableDevelopment #HealthcareFunding #HealthSystems #AfricaHealth #GlobalHealthSecurity #PandemicPreparedness Luchuo E. Bain.Ngashi Ngongo Nebiyu Dereje Mohamed Teriaky, MD, MBA, MPP Mosoka Fallah, PhD, MA, MPH Tamrat Shaweno Mohammed Abdulaziz Dr. Raji Tajudeen Nicaise Ndembi Jean Kaseya Africa CDC Eastern Africa RCC

This study explores community trust in Zambia's public and private health sectors during COVID-19, shedding light on how trust influences the legitimacy of the healthcare system. Findings reveal that perceptions of trust were shaped by humane treatment and truthful communication, influenced by fear and uncertainty during the pandemic. The public sector's legitimacy was bolstered by shared values and identities, while the private sector maintained legitimacy through service quality and its identity as a non-governmental business. Overall, identity played a significant role in shaping legitimacy, highlighting the importance of clarifying roles and strengthening public sector interactions to enhance resilience during crises. #HealthcareTrust #PublicHealth #COVID19Impact 🏥🤝🔍 https://lnkd.in/d_JSCVPr

Recognising the vital role of Diaspora Health Workers in Global Health In this insightful blog post, MOSES WASSWA MULIMIRA, Diaspora Engagement Advisor at Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), shares his experiences and insights on the crucial role of diaspora health workers in #globalhealth. Moses highlights the importance of recognising the contributions and expertise of these professionals, both within the NHS and in their countries of origin. Key points: ➡ The diaspora agenda in global health was at the forefront during the 77th World Health Assembly, particularly in the side event hosted by THET and the Philippines Government. ➡ As countries pursue #UniversalHealthCoverage, global health security, and the #SustainableDevelopmentGoals, engaging WHO Member States in coordinated policy actions is essential for managing a sustainable global health workforce. ➡ THET's #ExpertsInOurMidst programme celebrates the fact that 1 in 5 NHS staff report a non-British nationality, connecting the UK to over 200 health systems worldwide. ➡ Understanding the experiences of internationally recruited staff allows us to celebrate their expertise and acknowledge the UK's responsibility to support health systems in their countries of heritage. Read the full article: https://buff.ly/4ey5TPA #SundayRead #GlobalHealthPartnerships #WHA77

The health system in Kenya is characterised by the KEPH levels that begin from level 1 which is the community health services, level 2-6 is facility based services offered in dispensaries (2), health centres (3) and hospitals(4-6). while this structure serves a purpose, at times I have observed that it is a reason for delays of early diagnosis especially for some conditions such as cancer. How responsive and aware is the HCP at the lower facilities, ehat is their index of suspicious and thereafter decisiveness to refer appropriately and not just to the next level? Finally, while it is the overall responsibility of government for the health of her people, the drive must be for individuals and communities to assume greater responsibility for their own health. The role of CHPs to mobilize, educate, share preventive and promotive health information cannot be overemphasized.

I promised few weeks ago to continue contributing to the public health debate in Africa. Based on my extensive experience in Africa, I am proposing a new public health approach in Africa. It is a matter of starting the reflection on the subject so your comments are welcome. A new public health approach in Africa is needed. It should be based on a better research and analytics of public health situations, the use of technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence (AI), with heightened agility between health promotion, prevention and curative approach. It should be the basis for an effective contextualised interventions to reverse trends of some major public health issues like child and maternal mortality. It should provide evidence-based data and information for joint planning with all relevant stakeholders (like Africa CDC) for more synergy, around national authorities. It should also help for a renewed commitment to primary health care with a multisectoral approach and community participation. Finally, it should be based on a public health risks management with a comprehensive “public health surveillance”, training on local major health problems by strong public health agencies or entities, in support to health planning, and interventions monitoring. WHO should probably take the lead as a technical Agency based its comparative advantage in global health. See below 👇🏾 the graph summarising the approach.

These indicators confirm that there are system-wide failures. And that much needs to be done to improve governance of the South African health system. The findings were made by a panel appointed by the Academy of Science of South Africa. The seven-member panel was made up of a multidisciplinary group of South African public health and health systems researchers, academics and practitioners. #southafrica #healthcaresystem #accountability #eprocurementsystems #publichealthcare #privatehealthcare #nationalhealthinsurance #healthinformationsystems #editor #author #mediaconsultant #publicrelations #freelancewriter  

📷 Profiles in Global Health #1 One of the best parts about my job as Research Director at Community Health Impact Coalition are the inspirational team mates I work with across over 25 international NGOs. In this photo interview series I highlight some of my inspirational team mates and give you an insight into who they are, what inspires them to work in global health and what they recommend to others who want to get involved in this space. ------ Name: Amina Mohamed Organisation: Safari Doctors Limited 🌍 What inspires you to work in Global Health? "I feel a deep sense of compassion that comes from the health disparities experienced in my community.  This motivates me to contribute my knowledge and collaborate with like minded individuals through research and advocacy to address global health challenges and promote healthcare access for the betterment of overall human wellbeing." 💫 Who has been the biggest influence to date in your career? "To date, Umra Omar has been my biggest influence both locally and globally. Her ferocity when it comes to addressing healthcare challenges has been nothing short of inspiration." 📕 One book or article you would recommend to anyone interested in learning more about global health? "I have two actually; Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder and Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn." 🦉 One bit of advice you would give to someone interested in working in global health? "It's crucial to collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure our interventions are contextually relevant. Moreover, the importance of global health advocates cannot be overstated – there can never be enough!" 🤝 What do you enjoy about working with Community Health Impact Coalition? "CHIC is a global movement that has refused to settle and accept the inequalities in global community health. Being part of it gives me a sense of being surrounded by like minded individuals that are actively working towards the change that we all aspire to see." 🔗 You can connect with Amina here: https://lnkd.in/enMWZTHp https://lnkd.in/ei6FAvqJ ➡ Want to learn more about Community Health Impact Coalition and get involved in our work? Check out our website here: https://lnkd.in/enUpFmNC #globalhealth #publichealth #CHWs #proCHWs #communityhealthworkers #healthcare