Strengthening Community Capacity for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Management
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and Type 2 diabetes are increasing across Kenya, yet many individuals remain undiagnosed or face challenges accessing ongoing care and treatment.
To better understand these challenges and identify practical solutions, Help REACH Africa (HERA) partnered with Yale University School of Nursing to implement a multi-year study on barriers and facilitators to NCD screening and management in Nairobi's informal settlements.
Listening to Communities
The study engaged patients, healthcare providers, community health workers, and local organizations in Mathare and Kariobangi to better understand the realities surrounding NCD prevention and care.
Through surveys, interviews, and stakeholder engagement, the study identified key barriers including:
- Limited access to medication
- Financial constraints
- Knowledge gaps
- Inadequate medical supplies
- Workforce shortages
- Stigma and misconceptions surrounding NCDs
Co-Creating Solutions
Rather than imposing solutions, the project used an Evidence-Based Quality Improvement (EBQI) approach to engage stakeholders in identifying practical and sustainable interventions.
Healthcare providers, community health teams, patients, and county health representatives participated in discussions that generated locally relevant recommendations for improving NCD services.
Building Community Health Capacity
One of the key recommendations emerging from the EBQI process was the need to strengthen community-level knowledge and support systems.
As a result:
- 21 Community Health Assistants (CHAs) were trained.
- 11 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) were trained.
- Participants received training on hypertension and Type 2 diabetes prevention, screening, management, communication, and leadership skills.
The training demonstrated significant improvements in participant knowledge, confidence, and readiness to support communities.
Lasting Impact
The study highlighted the important role community health teams can play in addressing the growing burden of NCDs.
The findings continue to inform discussions on strengthening screening services, improving patient education, supporting community outreach, and enhancing access to quality care.
Looking Ahead
The project has concluded implementation and is now contributing to knowledge generation through reports, presentations, and planned publications that will support evidence-based decision-making at both county and national levels
