Health huts receive shot in arm

23 May 2011: Rural health huts in Senegal are markedly improving the lives of over a million people, say children’s NGO Plan International. By providing essential services, rates of diarrhoea in children under five have fallen from 33% to almost 1%. Over 90% of children are now receiving immunization compared to only 53% five years ago.

These rural clinics exist to provide basic health services to rural populations far from hospitals and larger clinics. The 331 health huts provide basic health services such as maternal and anti-natal services, malaria treatment, nutritional support and immunization.

Expertise and support

Plan teams in Senegal provided expertise and support to health workers, and have pioneered the innovative use of cell phones to send text messages about proper health care and immunizations to mothers and families.

“Community based health care is essential in improving the lives of millions across the developing world” said Mie Takaki, Plan’s Country Director in Senegal. “This programme takes it beyond the talk. It defines the role that the Health Huts play in the health management of millions of people  putting human resources and focus where they are needed. Both communities and the existing health system are more accountable and can impact tremendously on children’s lives.”

Protecting the most vulnerable

The five-year programme is funded by USAID and implemented by a consortium of NGOs including Plan.The programme was designed to strengthen the Senegalese health system and to reach the most vulnerable.

As a partner of the African Child Policy Forum, Plan supports the findings of the recently released Budgeting for Children in Africa: Rhetoric Reality and the Scorecard which urges African governments to budget more resources for children at a national level to improve their future outlook.  Senegal ranks 5th overall in commitment to children through budgeting, with 12% of the total dedicated to health.