Africa Frontline First

🌟 Exciting News! Africa Frontline First is proud to announce the launch of its High-Level Council, chaired by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The council will provide strategic advice to Africa Frontline First, advocate for increased political will and resources for community health, and champion the professionalization of community health workers globally. Meet the founding council members: 🇱🇷 H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Former President of Liberia) 🌐Ray Chambers (Ambassador for Global Strategy, World Health Organization) 🌍H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya (Director General, Africa CDC) 🌟Graça Machel (Deputy Chair, The Elders Foundation) ⚕️margaret odera (Founder, CHW Champions Network) Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHU9ZgtB

Strong community health programs extend access to women and children, and create better opportunities for women as professional community health workers. Join our co-founder Financing Alliance for Health for a webinar on why investment in community health workers is an investment in gender equity. 📅Dec 5, 2024 ⌚1-2:30 pm EAT 🔗Register here: https://bit.ly/3B9eMju

🌍 Community Health Workers (CHWs) are The Unsung Heroes in Gender Based Violence Response. Meet Salome Ong'or and Juliah Wairimu, two dedicated CHWs from Kenya making a difference in the fight against GBV. CHWs play a critical role in: ✅ Helping survivors find reporting mechanisms. ✅ Providing counseling and attending to physical injuries. ✅ Raising awareness in communities to prevent GBV. 💬 "We need to strengthen facilities and provide training so survivors can access the care they need," says Juliah. Gender-based violence affects everyone—including men. CHWs like Salome and Juliah are in the frontline supporting GBV survivors, and advocating for stronger health systems to tackle GBV. 🎥 Watch their inspiring stories. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #EmpowerCHWs #GenderEquality #FAHForChange

Exciting news for community health workers in Kenya! Kenya’s National Assembly has just passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at recognizing and supporting community health workers. If approved by the Senate, this legislation will place community health workers on the government payroll, providing them with well-deserved salaries. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya to standardize operations. This is a significant step forward in the effort to integrate community health workers into national health systems, offering them the recognition and support they need to continue making a difference in their communities. Congratulations to the community health workers who have long advocated for their recognition as professionals! Read more: https://bit.ly/417BuDw

At a recent forum hosted by the Government of Cameroon on primary healthcare and community health, Africa Frontline First joined government officials, religious and traditional leaders, community health workers, and development partners to advocate for increased political will and investments in community health. At the forum, we highlighted the progress in Cameroon’s community health system, including the launch of the country's maturity assessment just a week prior. Together with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc., we’re proud to support the government in unlocking financing to strengthen the community health program.

#16DaysOfActivism Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical issue affecting millions across Africa, with over 40% of women impacted. This year, we’re spotlighting the incredible role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in combating GBV, supporting survivors, and driving prevention efforts in their communities. Meet Mathews Phiri and Gerald Kasongo, two dedicated community-based volunteers in Zambia who are making all the difference in GBV response. Through specialized training offered by Zambia's Ministry of Health, Mathews and Gerald have become champions in their communities, raising awareness about GBV prevention and providing critical care to survivors. They stand as powerful advocates for women and children while also addressing a less-discussed issue: gender-based violence against men. 🗣️ "GBV impacts men too, but the stigma makes it even harder for them to report and seek help," says Mathews. Their work highlights the importance of tackling this stigma and creating safe spaces for all survivors of GBV, regardless of gender. Both Mathews and Gerald emphasize the urgent need for more resources to expand CHW programs, ensuring that more trained individuals can step up to make a difference. Their stories remind us that investing in CHWs is investing in the future of equitable healthcare and GBV prevention. 🎥 Watch their inspiring stories and hear firsthand about their experiences in addressing GBV, supporting survivors, and challenging stigmas in their communities. #EndGBV #EmpowerCHWs #FAHForChange #GenderEquality Joseph Chiluba Dr. Thenjiwe Sisimayi, (Ph.D)

🌍 Exciting Milestone for Community Health in Africa! Last week, we proudly joined Africa CDC and partners to launch the five-year Community Health Strategic Priorities (2023-2027) for Africa. Launched at the 3rd High-Level Meeting on #CommunityHealth, this visionary roadmap focuses on: ✅ Strengthening the community health workforce ✅ Expanding the role of community health workers in disease control and surveillance ✅ Elevating their involvement in emergency preparedness and response ✅ Mobilizing resources for sustainable community health systems ✅ Fostering multisectoral partnerships, collaboration, and coordination Africa Frontline First remains committed to driving this agenda forward alongside Africa CDC. Together, we will advocate for greater political will, deliver technical assistance, and support member states in unlocking financing to build stronger, more resilient community health systems.

🌍 As COP29 draws close to an end, the focus now shifts inward: What are we doing in our own spaces to combat the devastating impacts of climate change? In a candid conversation with Judy Macharia, Head of Community Health Services at Nairobi City County Government , she highlights the crucial role of partnerships in addressing climate change's intersection with health. "Climate action, particularly in health, is not a one-man show. It requires strong partnerships and collective responsibility." This video sheds light on how climate change is affecting health systems and communities, with Community Health Workers on the frontlines, building climate-resilient health systems. Watch now to see the impact and understand how we can work together for a climate resilient and healthier future. 💪 Executive produced, Edited & Hosted by Maya Hayakawa, MPRSK, MMCK, MFSKK, MFPPA, MClinPsych Producer: Tidah Adhiambo 📽️ Watch the full video below!

📢 Just published! We are thrilled to partner with the Skoll Foundation and contribute to their new series, “Social Innovation and the Journey to Transformation,” in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Our Co-Executive Director Nan Chen co-authored a piece with Archana Sahgal, Founder & President of Hyphen, on engaging government in collective action, which includes lessons from Last Mile Health and Africa Frontline First's work to strengthen community health systems. Read the new piece ➡ https://bit.ly/3ALPM1K

70% of community health workers globally are women, and they are a lifeline for patients in rural and remote communities. But they urgently need equal pay, gender-responsive training, guaranteed safety, and opportunities for advancement. To learn what governments and partners can do to drive meaningful change, read Integrate Health and Last Mile Health’s new Framework for Action, with 16 actionable recommendations: https://bit.ly/womenCHWs