In 2020, the following projects are being implemented by Amref Health Africa in Zambia with a staff compliment of 9 (of which 4 are women).
Health Systems Advocacy Partnership
Health Systems Advocacy Project (HSAP). The project aims to build the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to be able to conduct Advocacy in-Country. It is envisioned that through this capacity building, there will be Increased (multi) stakeholder engagement in policy dialogues therefore leading to increased commitment of policy makers to realize adequate HRH and access to SRH commodities.
Through the HSA Project, Amref in Zambia also has been recognized by policy makers such as the Parliamentary Committee on Health as a key informant on health issues in the country. In 2019, Amref was invited to present a memorandum on the quality of health services in Zambia, our recommendations especially on HWM (Health Worker Migration) formed part of the Committee’s report to parliament for discussion/adoption. At the national level we were also a key contributor to the National Community Health Strategy where a number of recommendations from the CHWs campaign have been included. Capacity building of CSOs and networks also were key highlights of the project as it witnessed an increased engagement of CHWs at the community and facility level in advocacy issues around their recognition and attitude from the Health Centre Staff.
We apply a structural approach to our programme by working with health systems to strengthen their capacity through in-service and pre-service clinical training, as well as on-site mentorship support for health service providers, and increasing the availability of quality services and health infrastructure at the lower level of the health delivery system. By engaging in leadership, management and governance training, we aim to improve the capacity of those at the forefront of RMNCAYH programming.
Amref Health Africa gives significant attention to addressing sexual reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence, including teenage pregnancy, harmful traditional practices and early marriage. By applying an integrated, multi-sectoral approach, our interventions are comprehensive and targeted to optimally improve the health status of women, children, and youth.
Closing the Gap
The closing the Gap between the Community Health Workers and the Facility staff aims to contribute to preventable maternal deaths in the two districts of the Copperbelt Province namely Ndola and Kitwe Districts. The approach taken by the project is to build the capacity of the nurses, midwives, doctors and Community health workers in respectful maternity care so as to improve on their attitude towards their clients. The project is funded by Amref Netherlands and Complimented by GSK 20% initiative.
The project staff have been working closely with the Ministry of Health Officials at Provincial, district, health facility and community-level in order to promote ownership and sustainability of the project. For Community Health Workers, the project has been working with the Health Promotions officers as they are directly involved with CHW activities. Principal Nursing Officers have directly been involved in the coordination of project activities at facility, district and provincial levels. The Principal Planner at the Provincial Health office has also been instrumental in the planning and monitoring of project activities. Other officers, such as the Provincial Health Information Officer, Clinical Care specialist and Public Health specialist, have been engaged from time to time in order to promote sustainability of the project.