Description
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) hypertension, diabetes, cardiopathy, and cancer, are rising in low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya. According to the 2022 KDHS, 15.9% of women and 9.4% of men aged 15–49 reported one NCD, with hypertension being the most prevalent. Despite this growing threat, early access to screening, diagnosis, and management remains limited at the community level. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) play a crucial role in bridging this gap.
Objective
To strengthen the role of CHPs in the early identification and management of NCDs at the community level.
Methodology
In January 2024, the Trans Nzoia County Department of Health, in collaboration with USAID AMPATH Uzima, trained 80 CHPs using the CHS basic module from the Hospital ward. The training included the use of the electronic Community Health Information System (e-CHIS) and covered areas such as health promotion, social behaviour change, surveillance, use of CHP kits, and basic curative services. CHPs registered 8,616 households on e-CHIS and offered services including health education, immunization defaulter tracing, antenatal care linkage, assessment and screening at the household level, and growth monitoring. Under the supervision of CHAs, CHEWs, and field officers, CHPs conducted hypertension and diabetes screening, offered lifestyle counseling, ensured treatment adherence, and facilitated timely referrals.
Results
Eighty CHPs reached 8,616 households and conducted 10+ health education sessions, reaching 27,603 people with messages on diet, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and food diversity. A total of 101,978 individuals were screened for hypertension and diabetes; 18,389 received lifestyle counseling, and 6,333 diabetes cases were referred. Follow-up showed that 95% of patients with chronic conditions adhered to treatment, improving outcomes.
Conclusion
Community-based approaches, enhanced CHPs’ capacity in NCD screening, prevention, and management. Using digital tools and structured supervision, improved early detection and treatment adherence. Scaling this model could significantly reduce NCD-related morbidity at the grassroots level.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | NURSE |
| Received a Grant? | No |
