[afro-nets] Challenging Community Norms: Models for Inclusive and Equitable Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Malawi

["Henrietta Kuoh" <hkuoh@care.org>]

Greetings,

CARE is pleased to announce the publication of the fourth installment from its Working Paper series, titled Challenging Community Norms: Models for Inclusive and Equitable Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Malawi.  The working paper can be downloaded from the CARE website at http://www.care.org/reprohealth.  Limited print copies are available by request from Henrietta Kuoh (hkuoh@care.org). 

Abstract-Working Paper No. 4

Challenging Community Norms: Models for Inclusive and Equitable Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Malawi

In seeking to understand and influence root causes of poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH), CARE USA and CARE Malawi staff explored using a "social-challenge process" to help communities address underlying causes of poverty and poor maternal and new born health (MNH). Although similar to participatory facilitation of discussions of SRH that address knowledge, attitudes, and practices, the social-challenge process takes the dialogue further as community dialogue focuses on issues of equity and social exclusion.  

CARE's innovative Models for Inclusive and Equitable Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (MINESRH) project experimented with the social-challenge process to encourage the community to take responsibility for the health and well-being of all pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants - regardless of their social status.  Through reflection, mobilization, and action community members worked to identify inequities in care and support, why they exist, and solutions for improving MNH outcomes through overcoming these inequities.  In this paper, we describe the framework for the Social-Challenge Approach, review our experience implementing and using the social-challenge process in the community, and examine project accomplishments and lessons learned to date.  

This paper makes a case for the use of the social-challenge process as a promising way to address causes for poor health, particularly disparities in health.  CARE does not intend for this paper to be a field guide; however, we do hope it contributes to further development of approaches to promote the sexual and reproductive health of CARE's clients around the world.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Best regards,

Henrietta Kuoh
mailto:hkuoh@care.org