Assessment of Community Mobilization of Health Extension Package and Its Challenges As Perceived By Health Extension Workers: The Case of Bereh Aleltu Woredas' Of Oromia Region
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Ethiopian government introduced the HE? in 2003, to achieve one 0/ the
millenniul11 development goals and solve the cOlin tries short /all in health. However,
since its implementation there is velY ji'agmented in/ormation on its status and
achievement. This thesis was conducted with the purpose 0/ assessing the
community mobilization process and the challenges met to learn /i'om experience 0/
HEWs and give recommendations, to ensure the sustainability of the package. This
research concludes that the HE? seems e/fixtive and been accepted by the
communities in the study area. A significant correlation was found when scores 0/
social asset were correlated with scores 0/ community participation and perceived
local support/or both HEWs' and community leaders. The reasons/or the acceptance
were/ound to be; Issue awareness o/the community, HEWs sense o/use/ulness, and
sense 0/ community between HEWs and the community are some. Currently
community's attempts to improve their health is witnessed in /amily planning, pit
latrine construction, vaccination, abrogation 0/ harm/it! practices according to the
interviewed HEWs. The main hampering factors found were lack of community
support and participation }i'om certain parts of the society at the early stage,
community members' negative attitudes towards specific issues (cultural), the
difficulty 0/ mobilizing individuals in economically disadvantaged communities, lack
0/ training and reward system and technical support, and /elt inadequacy. Bearing
in mind the successfit! results yet registered; to /ilrther higher the implementations of
HE? It is important to use community development approach that treat community
asfit/I partners in improving their health of rather than being passive recipients or
consumers 0/ health services. Intensive awareness creation should be tCIIgeted to
incorporate schools, religious institutions, community leaders in the mobilization
process so as to build social networks to widen support, commitment, and changes in
social norms and behavior. In order to mitigate some the 0/ the barriers timely
re"ponses should be given to social and psychological needs 0/ HEWs through
arrangements 0/ up grading programs, re}i'esher courses based on HEWs
pelformance and years served are recommended
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Keywords
Community Mobilization of Health Extension Package