Protecting my community: my priority.

Today's a big day! Ariel, along with 19 other community health workers, is set to receive a special kit. This kit isn't just any box; it marks the start of their mission to enhance community health. 

Over the past 5 days, these dedicated individuals were trained in the Makélékélé Health District to implement the MAVIMPI YA MBOTE approach. They learned about essential family practices and how to manage and identify warning signs of illness at the community level, all thanks to Canada's support through the CanVax. 

As he waits in line, Ariel sneaks a peek at the desk holding the kits. Inside each one are vital medicines for treating common yet dangerous illnesses in Congo, such as malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Ariel can't help but feel excited about the difference he's about to make. 

“I’m really happy to be able to help my community by taking care of their health. » Ariel tells us, beaming. “Parents are often reluctant to go to the hospital, for two reasons, first because it is far away and then because they also have very little means. This community initiative comes at the right time.  With the medicines we have received, we will be able to treat simple cases and refer more serious ones to the nearest health center” - he concludes. 

In Ariel's neighborhood, Kinsoundi, health services are primarily equipped for basic cases. For more complex or serious conditions, patients must be referred to the Kinsoundi Integrated Health Center. 

Ariel's commitment to this cause was inspired by his father, a former community health worker. “Since I was little, I have always loved this work, my father was also a community relay” – he says - “I was always proud to see how he raised awareness among mothers who always listened to him attentively and I know that his advice saved the lives of many of children”. 

Which is why, when the local health center sought volunteers for training, Ariel was among the first to step up: “For everything that concerns health I always volunteer, it’s really like a priesthood for me, I participate in all vaccination campaigns and all other awareness activities in my community.”  

Ariel knows the importance of connecting with the community and maintaining stamina: “First, we will start with a census which will allow us to assess our workload and then we will start with care and home visits. I am always happy to see a child prescribed treatment and come back a few days later and find him completely healed and playing, it is a personal satisfaction”. 

He also plays a crucial role in educating his community on health matters, like the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. Through talks, Ariel addresses concerns and promotes health practices. As part of the MAVIMPI YA MBOTE approach, Ariel and his team received comprehensive training. They discussed the initiative's benefits, identified gaps, and learned about decentralized data monitoring and co-creating solutions for community health challenges. 

“I feel a bit like a missionary responsible for the health of women and children in my community, and I really want to succeed in this mission” -  Ariel says. 

Thanks to Canadian support, not only will COVID-19 vaccination rates improve, but so will gender-responsive health services, including routine immunizations and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. These efforts are crucial for facing future public health challenges