Community participation in the reference evacuation from villages to the central Community Health Center (CSCom) of Barouéli

Abstract

Introduction: Community participation in referral / evacuation is defined as all mechanisms and procedures used to mobilize resources to transport obstetric and neonatal emergencies from the villages to the Community Health Center (CSCom). This study aimed to explore community participation in the referral / evacuation of women and children from villages to the central CSCom of Barouéli. Material and methods: This was a qualitative study which took place from October 2017 to February 2018 in the health area of central Barouéli. Individual interviews with heads of households, village chiefs, ATRs, the presidents of women's groups and the ASACO president and discussion groups with the heads of village health and solidarity funds were conducted, associated with a documentary analysis. Results: Our study shows that this village evacuation- CSCom referral system was set up according to difficulties in accessing maternal and newborn health care, especially obstetric and neonatal emergencies. This system provides transport for women experiencing childbirth and newborns from the villages to the central Barouéli Community Health Center. The system made it possible to evacuate 77 women out of 91 admired (management book reference evacuation committee). A total lack of support from communities for funding the system was observed. Despite this lack of support, the reference system for evacuating villages to the CSCom worked from its creation until the end of 2017. Conclusion: The village-CSCom referral / evacuation system provides women with childbirth difficulties with access to emergency maternal and newborn health care and does not seem to be affected by the lack of financial contribution from the community.