Infectiology
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Madagaskar
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Sustainable strengthening of community-based TB and HIV care in Madagascar

Organisation: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Partner organisation in partner country: National TB Program, Malagasy Ministry of Health
Image
Community health workers (CHWs) inform people with TB about the benefits of and the necessary precautions during medical treatment.
(© Doctors for Madagascar)

Situation: 

Madagascar has one of the lowest rates of healthcare personnel worldwide. Community health workers (CHWs) are therefore essential in providing the population with access to medical care. However, less than 3% of all CHWs are involved in HIV and tuberculosis care. There is a lack of a national strategy to sustainably support and strengthen CHWs in these critical areas.
 

Objectives:

The aim of this project is to strengthen the effectiveness of CHWs substantially and sustainably in HIV and TB care in Madagascar.
 

Indicators:
  • Number of CHWs participating in a cross-sectional study to explore facilitators and barriers in HIV and TB care
  • Number of CHWs trained on HIV and TB based on new training materials 
  • Change in motivation of CHWs after the implementation of evidence-based guidelines

     
Measures:
  • Conduct a mixed-methods study to assess the characteristics and motivation of CHWs in Madagascar.
  • Develop evidence-based guidelines to strengthen CHWs in TB and HIV care in collaboration with government and civil society stakeholders.
  • Develop and produce awareness materials on HIV and TB for use by CHWs.
  • Provide training for CHWs on HIV and TB in hotspot regions.
  • Implement the CHW strategy in a pilot region, with an assessment of the impact and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

     
Sustainability:

This project aims to develop and assess a health policy to empower CHWs in TB and HIV care, in collaboration with the Malagasy Ministry of Health. Aligned with national TB and HIV strategies, it seeks to fill critical gaps and generate evidence that can inform policies in Madagascar and similar contexts globally.

Special features:

The global shortage of skilled healthcare workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is worsening due to population growth and rising chronic diseases. To address this, innovative strategies like empowering community health workers (CHWs) are essentially needed to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure health and health equity for all. 

Here you can find further information.