Proyecto Aldea Global

CHAM Community Health and Microcredit Program

Woman weighing her child at AIN-C session

The CHAM III community health and microcredit program is located in the northern region of Comayagua, Honduras. The goal of this program is to improve the access of isolated communities to managing their own community health care programs. CHAM's focus is on the reduction of maternal and infant mortality by educating pregnant mothers on how to take care of themselves and their babies, and by promoting regular checkup appointments for children 2 years old and younger through the various child nutrition strategy interventions (AIN-C). At these appointments, the children's growth rate is monitored and they are administered vitamin A dosages as well as vaccinations against illnesses that are common in the area of influence.

PAG’s Community Health and Microcredit program makes up an extensive network of 110 community pharmacies and 7 medicine restocking warehouses all staffed by trained community volunteers who provide alternative health services to 297 communities in the northern part of Comayagua, benefiting 18,817 families.

The program also offers microcredit services to families living in the project area. This is linked to our health program in order to help stabilize vulnerable household economies as well improve the sanitary infrastructure which continues to be a critical basic need for families in the region. Sanitation and water have been identified as crucial interventions to reduce the root causes of health problems.

The program’s success is attributed to three main factors: First, a strong civil society involvement. Second, the time and commitment of more than 455 volunteer women and men, who administrate the community pharmacies and implement health activities every day. Finally, PAG's health strategy that promotes synergy between government officials, volunteers and community leaders to provide better health care on a community level. The Jack and Marie Eiting Foundation provides program support and funding for this model program of sustainable community health care.

Achievements for 2011

3,694 children participated in the AIN-C strategy monthly growth monitoring meetings.
754 babies less than 6 months of age have received exclusive breast milk from their mothers as part of a growth program focus.
1,825 HIV/AIDS quick tests were given to pregnant mothers and other sexually active men and women.
405 health volunteers were trained by PAG on how to handle illnesses, how to make medical references, nutrition and diet and how to take care of patients with HIV/AIDS.
3,490 family members participated in trainings on how to improve their families’ health and nutrition and how to avoid gastrointestinal diseases in the family home.
7,240 couples where counseled on how to use some type of family planning method.
1,692 individuals received direct medical attention from the CHAM medical brigades offered in isolated rural communities where there is no access to medical care.
16,294 individuals received medical consultations and medicines via the 112 community pharmacies throughout the program’s zones.
239 families benefitted from have latrines built in their homes.

"Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed".
Acts 5:16

Community members learn the model for building a latrine

YOUTH WITH A VISION PROGRAM (YWV)

Youth with a Vision (YWV) is an HIV/AIDS prevention program designed for students and youth migrant workers living in the San Isidro region of Comayagua, Honduras. Youth are trained on ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, as well as drugs and teenage pregnancies. They are also encouraged to speak with their parents about sex-related issues, and taught the importance of family, values and being a leader within their communities.

2011 Achievements:

207 high school student leaders in the program agreed to model appropriate behavior and a positive attitude in their classrooms.

236 high school youth took and passed a test on HIV prevention, values, self-esteem and leadership.

250 youth migrant workers were trained on HIV prevention.

165 female youth were trained on the risks of premature pregnancies, unplanned children, consequences in the home and HIV prevention.

338 parents attended workshops on the importance of talking to their children about sex-related issues.

410 children were reached through the values training courses provided through the program at elementary schools in the San Isidro area (the children learned one value per week during this 6 month course).

500 posters and 700 brochures with information on where to go for help regarding HIV/AIDS were distributed in public areas around San Isidro.