jopsa.org

Jopsa is excited to announce a partnership with VillageReach, a US-based nonprofit, to support their community health initiative in Balaka district, Malawi. Since 2000, VillageReach has been developing innovative solutions to issues of “last mile” healthcare logistics and infrastructure, collaborating with governments and local partners to bring healthcare and other essential services to those most in need.

In Mozambique, VillageReach and its local partners are working with 251 health centers, covering a population of over 5.2 million people. They recently released an evaluation of their projects there, cataloging some stunning results – e.g. 26.5% increase in immunization coverage and reduced vaccine stockouts from 80% to 1%.

In 2007, VillageReach began exploring opportunities for a community health project in Balaka district. Based on intensive needs assessments, their community-driven, cost-effective interventions will focus on Kwitanda health center and its catchment area. Jopsa’s goal is to complement VillageReach’s efforts to improve disease prevention and increase access to health care. The implementation of an SMS network in June 2009 will link remote communities and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) to Kwitanda health center and Balaka district hospital.

The SMS program will expand the Mobiles in Malawi model, using FrontlineSMS, low-cost cell phones, solar panels, and text-messaging to support rural healthcare delivery. Jopsa.org will provide updates from the project manager, on the ground.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm and is filed under Other posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.