The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73046

Peggy Koniz-Booher, MPS, Senior Technical Advisor, University Research Co., LLC (URC), 7200 Wisconsin Ave, suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, Zoel Leonardo, MD, Director del Sistema Integrado de Atencion en Salud (SIAS), Guatemalan Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), c/o Calidad en Salud, 15 Avenida "A" 24-13, Zona 13, Guatemala City, 01013, Guatemala, 502-332-2125, ups1_MSPAS@yahoo.com, and Elena Hurtado, MPH, Technical Advisor IEC/BCC, Calidad en Salud/University Research Co., LLC, 15 Avenida "A" 24-13, Zona 13, Guatemla City, 01013, Guatemala.

The CHW is the backbone of the ambulatory health team serving underprivileged and geographically isolated communities throughout Guatemala. Currently, the Guatemalan Ministry of Health (MOH) is delivering unprecedented health care services to more than 3.2 million inhabitants under a new health care strategy known officially as the Process of Extension of Coverage (PEC). PEC is based on the development of contracts with over 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who are responsible for hiring, training and supervising ambulatory physicians, nurses and institutional facilitators; organizing communities to promote improved health-related household practices; overseeing the selection of CHWs (more than 25,000 nationwide) by their respective communities; ensuring the training and supervision of CHWs; establishing community health centers; and collecting data that feed into the national health information system. The URC/Calidad en Salud program, supported by a five year contract with USAID/Guatemala, is currently providing multi-faceted technical assistance to the MOH and more than 50 “partner” NGOs. A major focus of this work is on improving the knowledge, community IMCI-related skills and outreach capability of more than 12,000 volunteer CHWs in over 2000 communities. The role of the CHW as change agents and champions of MCH has solidified over the last several years, with CHWs often acting as the critical link between the community and ambulatory professionals, as well as other clinical health care services. The co-presentation of this paper by an indigenous CHW and MOH official, and sharing of materials, will provide a unique opportunity for direct interaction.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Describe the selection process for and training of CHWs under the extention of coverage model being rolled out in Guatemala.
• Discuss the role of the CHW in stimulating community participation; growth promotion and monitoring; infant and young child nutrition counseling; recognition of danger signs; and follow-up case management.
• Compare/contrast the role of the CHW to other members of the basic ambulatory health care team contracted and managed by NGOs under PEC.

Keywords: ICMI, Community Participation

Related Web page: www.urc-chs.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University Research Co., LLC (URC), an international consulting firm providing technical assistance related to improving the quality of health care services around the world
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment by Guatemalan MOH