Women in Health Development: Mobilization of Women for Health Care Delivery in a Philippine Community

Abstract

A participatory-action research project in health was conducted in a tribal community in the Philippines to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a village-based health care delivery system through simple training, the use of indigenous resources, and active community involvement in health planning. The project was divided into three phases: an initial phase of baseline information gathering to determine the existing health situation, the health resources available, and the health-seeking behaviour and beliefs concerning illness; a second phase of programme formulation and implementation; and a third phase of assessment and evaluation. The baseline information collected served as the basis for the planning of a relevant health programme which made use of a culturally appropriate training programme and women volunteers in the community. Activities involved both the preventive and curative aspects of health care. At the end of the project period which lasted fifteen months, an assessment was undertaken using household surveys, as well as an assessment of the skills of the health workers. Lessons and issues derived revolved around the selection of voluntary health workers, community participation, training, incentives and rewards, supervision, and support. On this basis, recommendations were made for the programme's sustainability and replicability.