Description
Background.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health burden in humanitarian settings. In Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, hosting over 77,000 refugees and asylum seekers, limited access to chronic care, stigma, economic vulnerability, and poor treatment adherence worsen outcomes. To address these barriers, patient-led support groups (PSGs) integrated with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were established as community-driven solutions under the Continuity in Crisis project.
Methods
Structured, community-led model established ten PSGs for refugees and asylum seekers with hypertension and diabetes. Key activities included mobilization and identification of NCD clients, PSG orientation and NCD literacy sessions, VSLA training by the Danish Refugee Council to enhance financial resilience, biweekly decentralized meetings in homes and community spaces, and active linkage to health facilities for clinical oversight and follow-up.
Results
PSGs engaged 580 refugees living with NCDs, yielding multi-dimensional benefits. Self-management improved, with 100% of focus group participants reporting better understanding of their conditions and a 70% increase in medication adherence. Economic empowerment was strengthened as 85% of VSLA members accessed loans or savings for medications (65%), transport (58%), or nutritious food (42%), reducing financial barriers to care. Psychosocial outcomes were notable: decentralized meetings increased participation by 90%, especially among elderly and mobility-impaired individuals, while peer support reduced isolation, stigma, and improved emotional well-being. Health system integration was reinforced through clinic linkages, enabling timely referrals, follow-up, and earlier detection of complications.
Conclusion
PSGs integrated with VSLAs transformed NCD care in Kalobeyei by addressing clinical, economic, and social determinants of health. The model empowered refugees to overcome structural barriers and psychosocial challenges, improving adherence and resilience. Scaling PSGs across humanitarian settings, institutionalizing them within national refugee health policies, and training peer educators are recommended for sustainability. Community-driven strategies remain essential for equitable NCD care in crisis contexts.
Keywords:
Self-Help Groups; Refugees; Patient Participation; Community-Health.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | Project Officer |
| Received a Grant? | Yes |
| If yes, give grant details | The project is being funded by Norvo Nordisk foundation through Danish Red Cross. |
