Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
Kadasig Aid and Development are the only foreign health program in Barili. Local policies do not currently support the health and wellbeing of children and families in this region – particularly for those who do not have income available to purchase services.
The Kadasig program has been in operation for over 28 years. The placement of a nurse in community is consistent with the organisations five year strategic goals to improve access to basic healthcare for children and families
A qualified nurse with first aid and health education experience was requested to supplement local services such as the QHRT – Quick Health Response Team, made up of mothers who have had very, very basic training from an Australian GP & Australian nurses when they have visited. Basic but a start & helpful.
Kadasig Aid and Development were certain an Australian nurse could embrace the situation in their community and connect with nurses in Barili & with organisations in Cebu City. They would need to be someone who understood that nursing is done differently in the Philippines to Australia, so they would need to be professional yet flexible, patient and adaptable.
How We’re Helping
There was a need for the qualified nurse to support Kadasig communities and activities in a combination of locations, including:
- Parian Drop in centre – Cebu City
- Community Rehabilitation centre for boys – Cebu City
- Good Sheppard Rehabilitation centre – Cebu city
- Patupat community clinic – Patupat, Barilli Province
Annie Anthony was selected to provide basic first aid and health promotion education with confidence in local communities. An important part of the role is to instil confidence and empowerment of community women to understand their own bodies and options for contraception. The role was also needed to provide community leaders and Kadasig Staff the ability to provide basic first aid.
Annie’s objectives in her 2-year placement include:
- Improve access to basic medical care for vulnerable children, young people and their families by localising a nurse within the local communities
- Undertake health promotion and prevention education to children, young people and their families to reduce the prevalence of preventable illnesses.
- Provide training and basic resources to Kadasig staff and community leaders to enable them to continue basic health promotion and prevention education.
- Within 6 months, identify opportunities for sustainable and cost-effective health programs to inform the Australian Committee of Managements planning and fundraising opportunities.
- To support the continued development of local and international partnerships in order to raise the profile of the needs of vulnerable children in the Philippines and ensure a coordinated and sustainable response.
- Explore fundraising opportunities or partnerships in Australia to fund supply of basic medical treatments and supplies for use in the Kadasig communities during the volunteer’s placement
Is the Project Sustainable?
Annie’s significant experience in nursing and health education make her an ideal candidate for this pivotal role. She is committed to building the capacity of local workers and of the community itself. By providing coaching and mentoring to Kadasig staff, by adapting work practices and pace of work to accommodate resource availability and withstand interruptions and delays, Annie will build a practice that can be run by local workers.
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