The reports coming out from the work of CSOs in Zimbabwe and Tanzania on the use of participatory reflection and action (PRA) approaches to strengthening  primary health care and addressing issues of accountability.

As these latest reports show: 

In the Tanzanian report, HDT and IHI review the context of their work in Bukiriro Village in the north west of the country and reflect on their successes and challenges, and their vision of what they want to achieve in the coming few months. They also measure progress against a set of Progress Markers developed by participants to the programme earlier in the year. In relation to the focus on social accountability, the report states “ Relations between community representatives, Community Based Distributers and health workers have improved considerably, resulting in greater trust in the health system at community level, greater accountability on the part of the health workers, and improved access to and quality of health services.”

ZADHR and ZNNP+ in Zimbabwe continue to work in Cassa Banana,  a marginalised informal settlement approximately 30km west of Harare. The community has now formed a Community Health Committee. They continue to address their priority health problems (diarrhoea, intestinal parasites and HIV/AIDS) and underlying environmental health concerns in relation to access to clean water and sanitation. The CHC has now developed an action plan that aims to work with the wider community to improve the water and sanitation situation in Cassa Banana, strengthen HIV prevention and support services and to work toward building alliances with local government to ensure that their basic health rights are met. 

Read the reports:

PRA Report - Revitalising CBD Prog in Bukiriro Village Tanzania, June2014

PRA Report - Cassa Banana Zimbabwe - 3rd Community Meeting, June2014