College of the Rockies Canada Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Kenya

MAISHA Dispatch from Kenya

The Njoki-ini Community Health Committee with their CHEWs, Elias and Margaret, at the Njoki-ini dispensary in Nyeri County.

Issue October 01.14

Health Committees Under Kenya’s Community Health Strategy Community Health Committees (CHCs) play a pivotal role in overseeing the wellbeing of their communities. The committees are comprised of local citizens, community health volunteers (CHVs) and their corresponding Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW). Together the committee ensures that household data is collected routinely and health objectives are met. The 10-13 member group is trained in report writing, resource management, leadership, personnel management, health objectives and much more.

“[We are] training the CHC members to be good leaders and to motivate the work of

CHVs” – Naomi (Gichiche CHEW and trainer)

Where do trainings take place? Community Health Committee (CHC) trainings take

place in local health units, which are either health centers or dispensaries. These facilities are located

within the community the committee will work.

Dates September

October

October - November

December

CHC and CHV training in Nyeri region.

Refresher EMOC training hosted at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri.

CHV and CHC training in Migori region.

CHV training in Migori region.

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Gichiche training in session.

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Health is a state of complete well-being. The CHC trainings taking place in September 2014 were intended to cover the three final groups of five covered by the MAISHA project in the Nyeri region. Two groups, Gichiche and Njoki-ini had a successful week of training and participation. However the Kamoko Health Centre only had 3 CHC members for their first meeting. While CHC members are recruited and elected within their

communities it remains a challenge to mobilize commitment given that CHC members are volunteers and have other responsibilities including income-generating activities and family. Kamoko will conduct another recruitment process to find suitable CHC members – CHEW Douglas commented that it is a “positive challenge”!

According to Naomi (Gichiche CHEW) the CHC training is the first of its kind for many of its members and throughout the week the group motivation and participation strengthens. Moreover CHC members are eager to learn more and to participate in other training so they can better serve their communities!

Each day of training, conducted by a CHEW or Sub-county Health Management Team member, focuses on a different module from the CHC Handbook. CHC members engage in small group activities, presentations, and practical exercises. Together CHC members share ideas and their personal experiences to

enrich the curriculum. Ultimately the aim of the training is to empower the members to

oversee the betterment of health in

their communities. In addition, CHCs can independently choose to start cooperatives or projects that support their goals by fundraising and increasing community outreach. MAISHA looks forward to continuing its partnership with all Nyeri and Migori CHCs and CHVs.

Left: The Gichiche CHC and trainers.