Elizabeth Malando’s Impact and the Power of LEAP Training.

Elizabeth Malando’s Impact and the Power of LEAP Training.

In Nyamilama Village, Elizabeth Malando begins her day early, preparing to visit families across her community. As a community health worker with the Ustawi wa Mwanamke Project, her focus is on improving the health of mothers, newborns, and children under five, as well as promoting health awareness among girls. Elizabeth’s dedication to her work has made a significant impact, especially since she began her training on the LEAP platform in 2022.

The LEAP platform provided Elizabeth with mobile-based health education, allowing her to learn about various health topics using her phone. “Before LEAP, it was hard to get training unless we were invited to seminars or special meetings,” Elizabeth shares. “Now, I can learn while I work or even from home. I receive lessons directly on my phone weekly and every week I’m learning something new.”  The training on the LEAP platform is delivered in modules, and each topic builds on the last, helping Elizabeth deepen her understanding of vital health issues.

Elizabeth educates her community on sanitation and its direct impact on health. She also emphasizes to families on the importance of early vaccinations and regular prenatal check-ups. These are crucial in improving community health outcomes, particularly for pregnant women and children under five.

In the past, many mothers and fathers were unaware of the importance of attending clinic visits early in pregnancy or following up on vaccinations. But Elizabeth’s efforts, along with the support of the LEAP training, have made a noticeable difference.

Elizabeth recalls visiting a family where she discovered a 1.5 year old child suffering from malnutrition. Using her newly gained knowledge, Elizabeth took the time to sit with the parents, explaining how they could prepare nutritious meals using local foods available in their village. “Within weeks, the child’s health improved significantly, and the family was deeply grateful,” Elizabeth explains with a voice filled with pride.

The LEAP platform not only enhanced her knowledge but also allowed Elizabeth to make lasting changes in the community. “The first benefit I personally gained is that it changed my lifestyle, I now have a better understanding of health issues, and my children benefit from the knowledge I gained. As a community health worker, the knowledge I receive, I also teach it to my children so as they know the importance of health at an early age. They are now more conscious of these topics, and I can see them applying what I teach them.” she explains

The impact of LEAP training extends beyond Elizabeth’s immediate family. The wider community is also seeing significant improvements. Through her work, Elizabeth has noticed that more pregnant women are now attending clinics before 12 weeks of pregnancy. “In the past, some women would wait too long to seek prenatal care, but now early visits are becoming the norm. Furthermore, the community is becoming more vigilant about vaccinations.” she says

“In the past, it was common to find a child who is nine months old and has not completed the three required vaccine doses,” Elizabeth explains. “But now, thanks to the training and education we’re providing, such cases are becoming less common.”

However, Elizabeth acknowledges that there are still challenges to overcome. “Some fathers are hesitant to engage with health related topics due to cultural beliefs,” she says. “But as we continue to educate them, attitudes are shifting, and more fathers are starting to pay attention to health-related matters. It’s a slow process, but I believe change is coming.”

Elizabeth’s hope for the future is simple but powerful: “Let this training continue so we can empower even more people.” She believes that the more people are educated on health issues, the more they will be able to make informed decisions for the well-being of their families and for Elizabeth, that means a healthier future for her community and her own children.

Thanks to the LEAP training, Elizabeth’s work has been transformative, not only in her own life but in the lives of the families she serves. By using her phone to access health education, she is making a tangible difference in the health of mothers, children, girls and the wider community, proving that knowledge truly has the power to change lives.