Community participation

Community Health Associations and Board of trustees

The support of the community members is critical to the success of the scheme in any community. Cultural, religious and political leaders are identified and educated about the benefits of the scheme. The buy-in of these leaders facilitates the subsequent acceptance of the scheme by the entire community. Where there is a paramount traditional ruler he is engaged and adequately involved in the operation of the scheme in the community to ensure a top to bottom buy-in of the community. Adequate community involvement creates the much needed community ownership that is critical to the sustainability of the scheme.

Members of each community health insurance scheme are encouraged to form community health associations which promote improved community health (well being) and the sensitization and mobilization of community members into the scheme. The association is made up of all individuals enrolled in the scheme. It promotes health education and behaviour change campaigns within the community and works with relevant public health authorities to facilitate community awareness about public health conditions such as HIV and AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, River Blindness and other conditions of epidemiologic importance within the community.

Each community health association has a board of trustees (BOT) which provides oversight over the functions of the community health association. Credible and erudite members of the community are chosen by the community members to serve on the board. The BOT monitors the provision of health care services, health promotion activities and also communications to the community pertaining to the scheme. Subsequent to the inauguration of each BOT, the HCHP organizes a comprehensive capacity building workshop to ensure the effectiveness of the board.