Conference abstract
Role of community health workers in optimizing family planning uptake: Misungwi District Council
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(52).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.52.2382
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Community health workers, family planning
Oral presentation
Role of community health workers in optimizing family planning uptake: Misungwi District Council
Flora Deusidedith Kuzenza1, Caleb Joel2,&, Clement Sobe Morabu1
1Council Management Team Misungwi District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania, 2Public Strengthening Sector Manager, Marie Stopes Tanzania, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: our recent data in Misungwi, DC, showed a declining contraceptive prevalence (32.2% in 2020, 33% in 2021), short of the national target of 42% by 2025/2026. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using CHWs to increase modern contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age.
Methods: in March 2022, the project recruited 12 healthcare facilities in Misungwi, DC. Two facility CHWs and HCPs received training on delivering family planning messages and methods through various community engagement strategies: door-to-door visits, local village meetings (NZENGO, VICCOBA, TASAF), and client referrals with escort services. The training enhanced their skills and knowledge in offering a range of contraceptive methods and providing health education and counseling for informed client choices. Using the DHIS2 database, with a data quality assessment to ensure accuracy, we compared contraceptive prevalence rates between the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods.
Results: modern contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age in Misungwi, DC, increased (31%) following the implementation of the PSS project in March 2022.
Conclusion: the potential of Community Health workers-driven approaches in increasing modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age is viable. Investing in CHW training, referral systems, and service quality improvements will ensure equitable access to family planning services for all, and Tanzania's FP2030 commitments can be achieved.
Role of community health workers in optimizing family planning uptake: Misungwi District Council
Flora Deusidedith Kuzenza1, Caleb Joel2,&, Clement Sobe Morabu1
1Council Management Team Misungwi District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania, 2Public Strengthening Sector Manager, Marie Stopes Tanzania, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: our recent data in Misungwi, DC, showed a declining contraceptive prevalence (32.2% in 2020, 33% in 2021), short of the national target of 42% by 2025/2026. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using CHWs to increase modern contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age.
Methods: in March 2022, the project recruited 12 healthcare facilities in Misungwi, DC. Two facility CHWs and HCPs received training on delivering family planning messages and methods through various community engagement strategies: door-to-door visits, local village meetings (NZENGO, VICCOBA, TASAF), and client referrals with escort services. The training enhanced their skills and knowledge in offering a range of contraceptive methods and providing health education and counseling for informed client choices. Using the DHIS2 database, with a data quality assessment to ensure accuracy, we compared contraceptive prevalence rates between the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods.
Results: modern contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age in Misungwi, DC, increased (31%) following the implementation of the PSS project in March 2022.
Conclusion: the potential of Community Health workers-driven approaches in increasing modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age is viable. Investing in CHW training, referral systems, and service quality improvements will ensure equitable access to family planning services for all, and Tanzania's FP2030 commitments can be achieved.
