Rethinking health care programme delivery
For over 25 years, AAH-I has shaped health care delivery using community based strategies in the communities of South Sudan. These strategies have been consistent, context specific and addressed beneficiary needs, leading to sustainability, an after effect of community ownership.
Attending to a patient at an AAH-I-run medical facility in South Sudan
The recurring conflict in South Sudan is shifting community structures, and in effect, influencing interventions from development programmes to more of emergency and reintegration. On the other hand, the changing global and regional context is impacting on programme delivery strategies, with an increased focus on sustainability.
The evolution from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prompted an analysis of the relevance and impact of our health programmes. Among the strategies identified was shifting focus from hospital-based interventions to more community-focused interventions. This not only produces high impact, but also leverages on domestic resources for sustainability and improved health outcomes.
The Regional Primary Health Care project of AAH South Sudan has now incorporated and operationalized community-based strategies in its programming. This includes community-led sanitation programs and implementation of the Boma Health Initiative, a government-led program whose objective is to establish community health structures for sustainable health outcomes. “This is what we want, I am glad AAH-I decided to go back to basics to facilitate approaches that meet the population at their point of need”, said Mr. Daniel Alphonse, the Director General, Maridi State Ministry of Health. Mr. Alphonse is a former principal at the AAH-I-supported Maridi School of Nursing and Midwifery.
The AAH-I team is currently conducting a baseline survey that will provide a comprehensive guide for the next phase of programme implementation. The baseline will give guidelines on equity, areas for prioritization, the technology to be applied, socio-cultural aspects, target groups, strategies for full involvement of the community, cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
The revitalization programme will afford AAH-I an opportunity to better engineer our interventions for effective and high impact programs.