In Zamfara State, limited access to healthcare in remote communities has contributed to high under-five mortality rates, with malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea as primary causes.
Previous Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) efforts attempted to address these issues but encountered gaps in coverage, consistency, and sustainability, particularly in neglected and underserved communities.
To support a sustainable and effective iCCM model, the President’s Malaria Initiative for States (PMI-S), through Management Sciences for Health (MSH), commissioned Sydani to evaluate the existing program and design a state-specific strategy.
Action (Assessments/MEL/Data Management, and Strategy Design & Implementation):
Sydani undertook a multi-stage assessment to review previous iCCM interventions, identify critical gaps, and develop actionable insights for a sustainable solution. The assessment included:
Mapping and Demographics: Utilizing geospatial mapping in collaboration with GRID-3, Sydani pinpointed communities most in need, producing readable maps and demographic data, especially for under-five populations.
CORPs Database Update: The team updated the state’s database of trained Community Oriented Resource Persons (CORPs) and PHC facilities to align resources with community needs.
Resource and Gap Analysis: The assessment highlighted areas with inadequate CORPs presence, logistical constraints, and health facilities that required support for effective iCCM implementation.
Based on these findings, Sydani crafted a strategic framework to sustainably implement iCCM in Zamfara. This strategy focused on strengthening local healthcare delivery through:
Localized Workforce Deployment: Ensuring that CORPs are well-equipped and strategically deployed within communities.
Enhanced Facility Support: Selecting and supporting PHC facilities in high-need areas for reliable iCCM services.
Community Engagement: Partnering with local leaders to promote awareness and acceptance of iCCM services.
Result
The newly developed iCCM strategy was adopted by the Zamfara State Primary Healthcare Board, marking a pivotal advancement in Zamfara’s commitment to improving child healthcare outcomes. The updated database, improved geographic targeting, and robust support systems allowed for effective deployment in 10 LGAs, providing easier access to healthcare services for children in remote communities.
This strategic approach is anticipated to reduce mortality rates among children under five and provide a replicable model for sustainable community healthcare initiatives in similar underserved regions.
