Contribution to the programme of Swiss Red Cross (Est)

Poor and inaccessible health care services, particularly at primary level, are the main obstacles to improving the health of vulnerable groups and marginalised communities. Even when the national authorities have adequate health strategies, implementation at local level is often hampered by multiple obstacles. People rarely know what services are offered or are unable to claim and use them. Other major health determinants, such as water, sanitation and health literacy, depend on the environment and people’s possibilities to manage their lives. Natural disasters and conflicts have an especially negative impact on poverty-stricken people, who tend to live in exposed regions with few resources and little capacity to reduce risks, take preventive action or respond adequately. The authorities in charge of protection are often not fully able to take effective and appropriate action. The negative interplay between poverty and disasters thus holds back sustainable improvements in the lives of the affected population.

Vulnerable groups and communities have access to good quality health care. They are able to have an impact on health determinants and to demand their right to health. They have the capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters appropriately and are in a position to adapt to climate change.

Vulnerable and marginalized groups and communities (indigenous people, women, adolescents, the elderly, stigmatised groups, disaster / conflict-affected communities)

Vulnerable groups and communities have access to good quality health care.
The local community is able to develop and implement preventive and health promotion measures and to influence factors affecting health.
Local health committees and community-based organisations are recognised by the health authorities and external stakeholders as valid counterparts.
Communities and authorities in risk-prone areas are able to mitigate risks and, in the event of a disaster, save lives and protect livelihoods.
The SRC’s partners have sustainable institutional capacities to effectively implement programmes. They engage in dialogue with the relevant authorities and work in alliance with other development stakeholders.

Results from previous phases:  

The results for 2009-2012 are considerably improved access to primary health care services, particularly among women and children, in programme areas. Local health committees and volunteers are recognised and actively involved in the local health system, contributing to more effective implementation of national health strategies. At the same time, the SRC is aware that health service capacities remain limited. Several evaluations demonstrate that health promotion and community mobilisation had a considerable impact on health literacy and health determinants such as water, sanitation and lifestyle. In countries regularly affected by disasters, the introduction of disaster risk reduction mesures boosted health programmes, improving resiliance in vulnerable communities.

Phase 1 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2014   (Completed)