Community-Led Monitoring Transforming Health Outcomes and Saving Lives at Nambazo

CHAG members here also received bicycles to ease mobility and enhance their ability to serve the community, ensuring timely response to health concerns and better engagement in pandemic prevention and preparedness efforts.

Nambazo Health Centre in TA Chiwalo, Phalombe district, has evolved from merely a treatment facility to a center of trust and collaboration, thanks to the COVID-19 Response Mechanism project. Funded by the Global Fund and executed by ActionAid alongside CRECCOM, the initiative empowers communities to spearhead healthcare improvements.

Prior to the project's interventions, accessing timely ART services was a challenge for many at Nambazo. Government staff were not actively participating in the clinic, leaving the bulk of the work to Bella staff and expert clients. This resulted in long wait times and inconsistent services, leading to patient frustration and discouragement.

CHAG members from TA Chiwalo discussing their roles in pandemic prevention and preparedness.

The situation began to transform in July 2024 when the project trained Community Health Action Groups (CHAGs) in community-led monitoring. This training motivated CHAG members to identify and report issues impacting health services. In August 2024, focus group discussions provided community members a platform to voice their concerns.

A significant concern was the lack of government involvement in the ART clinic. Following discussions among facility staff, Bella staff, and government ART providers, a new system was established. Government staff now work closely with Bella staff, ensuring the ART clinic functions efficiently. Patients receive medication on time, and the clinic operates as expected.

CHAG members from TA Chiwalo, who rely on Nambazo Health Centre, actively engaging in a dynamic training session aimed at enhancing their skills in pandemic prevention and preparedness.

Senior Health Surveillance Assistant Samuel Chingonichatha highlighted the positive changes in service delivery at Nambazo Health Centre. He noted that patients now receive their TB test results within 24 hours, a marked improvement from previous delays. He also mentioned the success of the group-based ART collection system, which has reduced travel times and increased ART uptake, ensuring more people remain on treatment and access necessary care promptly.

Samuel Chingonichatha, Senior Health Surveillance Assistant, emphasizes the faster TB results and improved ART access through group-based collection at Nambazo Health Centre.

The project's impact extends further. According to Momfrey Burton, a data collector at Nambazo, TB testing has significantly improved. Results, once taking days, are now available within 24 hours. ART uptake has also increased, with group-based collection systems allowing patients to access medications without lengthy travel.

Momfrey Burton, a data collector at Nambazo, highlights faster TB testing and improved ART access through group-based collection systems.

Floods and pandemics like cholera and malaria often pose major health risks in this area. Thanks to the project, CHAGs are now trained to respond effectively. Obeti Nantchengwa, Chairperson of Nthambula CHAG, explained how the training has equipped communities to manage outbreaks and report issues swiftly. “We now know what to do, and we receive assistance when we raise concerns,” she said.

Obeti Nantchengwa, Chairperson of Nthambula CHAG, emphasizes how training has empowered communities to tackle outbreaks and address health concerns effectively.

Facility In-Charge Spur Mandlah commended the enhanced relationship between the health centre and the community. “The trust is there now. People understand our operations and support us, which has made all the difference,” he explained.

Facility In-Charge Spur Mandlah highlighted the strengthened trust between the health centre and the community, improving service delivery.

The transformations at Nambazo Health Centre demonstrate the potential when communities and health workers unite. With the structures and relationships established through this project, Nambazo is setting a new benchmark for community-led healthcare that others can emulate.