- Fostering Community Engagement and Acquiring Understanding of Health Needs through a Participatory Rural Appraisal in Haiti
What Is the Purpose of the Study?
-
• To partner with individuals from a rural Haitian community to assess health needs.
-
• To use the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method to empower Haitians to identify and prioritize their health needs.
-
• To gather baseline health data to use for the development of a sustainable community health intervention in the area.
What Is the Problem?
-
• Much of the relief provided to Haiti is not sustainable owing to a lack of partnerships with local communities.
-
• There is a lack of information available regarding the health needs of rural Haitians from the perspective of the people.
-
• Owing to rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure, individuals living in rural Haiti are extremely vulnerable to health threats and health disparities.
What Are the Findings?
-
• Haitian community partners identified three priority needs: a paved road to improve access to the community, a clinic with a pharmacy, and a microloan program to stimulate the economy.
-
• PRA method was found to be an effective way to foster partnership between the international research team and local Haitian community members.
-
• Mutual goal setting, community engagement, and ownership of the assessment by the community leaders were essential to the development of a collaborative action plan.
Who Should Care the Most?
-
• Health care personnel who serve in a global setting.
-
• Individuals/organizations who render aid to developing countries.
-
• Community health action planners.
Recommendations for Actions
-
• It is essential to engage with local community leaders to establish a collaborative action plan.
-
• Seek sustainable development activities instead of short-term relief/aid.
-
• Community assessment activities, such as a PRA, are an effective foundational activity that should precede sustainable health development plans and strategies. [End Page 365]
Medic Samaritan