Sustaining essential health services at the community level will be critical to avoiding preventable deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with our government partners, Living Goods is now equipping and supporting CHWs to modify their delivery of care using adjusted low and no-touch protocols. 

 This move is guided by several assumptions. First, we anticipate that community transmission of COVID-19 will rise in Uganda and Kenya. Second, while we have secured and are currently providing our CHWs with basic PPE, there is a global shortage of PPE and a lack of consistent access. We are working with partners to advocate for a reliable supply of appropriate PPE for CHWs and can adjust our protocols accordingly. Third, Living Goods-supported CHWs are equipped with digital tools that enable them to provide many health services virtually.

 In consultation with the Ministries of Health of Uganda and Kenya, WHO, UNICEF, and other technical experts and partners, we have modified delivery of care, ensuring that CHWs begin all health activities and assessments by screening for COVID-19-related symptoms.

CHWs will primarily provide phone-based support to their communities instead of proactively visiting households in person. When a patient comes to a CHW’s home, the assessment will be conducted outside at a minimum distance of six feet. Most health service protocols are being adapted to maintain a safe distance, with all activities managed according to country guidelines. CHWs are also sending regular SMS messages to households reminding them to call if their child is sick, so they can provide support on-demand.

Maintaining essential RMNCH service delivery is absolutely critical during this time of COVID-19. We will adjust our protocols based on the phase of the epidemic in specific locales, access to sufficient PPEs, government and other operational factors like levels of phone connectivity.