NGPU December 21, 2023

Work Improvement Teams Success Story as 1st-trimester Antenatal Care Surges by 11.1%

Written by Ruth Magak

Nakuru County is celebrating an 11.1% surge in 1st-trimester Antenatal Care (ANC) following the implementation of Work Improvement Teams (WITs) under the Kenya Quality Model for Community Health (KQMCH).

This achievement is a testament that Governor Kihika’s promise to prioritize comprehensive training, robust equipping, and a suitable compensation package for community health volunteers has come to fruition, yielding tangible results.

The increased ANC rates in the Nakuru West sub-county are a testament to the effectiveness of this approach, showcasing the positive impact that focused initiatives can have on healthcare outcomes.

The driving force behind this success is in the collaborative efforts within the WIT framework bringing together a spectrum of perspectives to address community health challenges.

The team comprises a Community Health Assistant (CHA)/ Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), Facility Health Committee (FHC), Community Health Committee (CHC) member, Community Health Promoter (CHP), Youth representatives, People Living with Disabilities (PWD) advocate, a religious leader, and three women representatives.

To foster continuous improvement and knowledge exchange, the County’s Department of Health is currently hosting the Nakuru East Work Improvement Teams in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Division of Community Health.

This forum aims to enhance problem-solving skills, discuss strategies to overcome challenges and facilitate the exchange of ideas to further improve health services.

Roselyn Mungai, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, has outlined ambitious plans to expand the WIT model to other sub-counties based on Nakuru West’s success.

This expansion aligns with the broader goal of creating a sustainable and replicable model for community health improvement.

The collaborative forum not only serves as a platform for learning and sharing but also provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the efforts of the best-performing teams.

Chief Officer for Public Health, Alice Abuki, joined in acknowledging and awarding these teams while challenging them to sustain their efforts.

The recognition adds a layer of motivation and encouragement, ensuring that the positive momentum generated by the WITs continues to drive improvements in healthcare services.