Authors: Maryse Kok, Madalitso Tolani, Wongani Mtonga, Thom Salamba, Twambilire Mwabungulu, Arnold Munthali, Eefje Smet & Benedict Chinsakaso
Provision of family planning and contraceptive services represents an essential component for reducing maternal, infant, and child mortality. In recognition of the value of contraception, the Government of Malawi strengthened Health Surveillance Assistants’ (HSAs) capacity to distribute and educate the public about contraceptive services. Maryse Kok conducted interviews with HSAs and their supervisors to understand barriers and facilitating factors to HSA provision of contraceptive services. Barriers to care included a need for secrecy among women, misconceptions insufficiently addressed by HSAs, and age of HSAs. Having the HSA live within the area in which they serve promotes trust and improves performance.
Link: Enabling and hindering factors of health surveillance assistants’ roles in the provision of contraceptive services in Mangochi, Malawi
Resource Topic: CHW Role, Reproductive Health/Family Planning
Resource Type: Research
Year: 2020
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Malawi
Publisher May Restrict Access: No