Community health workers play an important role in health service delivery. They are the frontline agents of change, helping to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.
Lucy Ekuwam is one of these heroes. She has been a community health worker in Epiding Village, Isiolo, for more than 5 years. In that time, she’s made a significant contribution in reducing the impact of HIV in her community.
Among other critical activities, Lucy checks in with pregnant women who have been identified as not seeking health services to ensure they attend all the clinics and get appropriate follow-up care. She also provides informal counseling, health screenings, and referrals among Kiunga beneficiaries.
During one of her routine household visits, Lucy identified a patient who had defaulted on his anti-TB medication. Together with the family members, they were able to convince the patient to resume medication. The patient was later taken to Ariemet Dispensary where he was put on TB medication and his condition began to improve.
“Support groups are about giving each other emotional support to cope and having a place where we are free to discuss our illness in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere.”
Lucy appreciates Kiunga for supporting the psychosocial groups in Isiolo. She says members in support groups are better off than those who have not joined a group.