Community Health Agents are changing the narrative of one of the deadliest diseases in Mozambique

Rosita, a young mother from the district of Chifunde, in Tete Province saw despair knock on her door when her four-year-old daughter, Gilda, began to show signs of illness. High fevers, diarrhoea and constant vomiting left the girl frail and weak, while her parents, not knowing what to do, were overcome with worry and fear.

The family lives 8 km from the Chifunde Health Centre and, with no means of transport, felt helpless in the face of the situation. It was then that Rosita remembered the mobilisation carried out in her community, by Community Health Agents (CHAs) as part of the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge Project. During these sessions, they had been informed about the existence of the nearest CHA Post, where serious cases could be identified and referred to the health centre.

"I went to the first aid station, where my daughter was examined. I described the symptoms, and the health agent gave us a referral to go to the centre, where we did the malaria test and received all the medical care and guidance we needed," says Rosita.

The diagnosis confirmed the worst: Gilda had malaria, Rosita's heart sank again, but she was soon reassured by the doctor who had started the appropriate treatment.

"My daughter has recovered, and I feel relieved and happy because of the help I received here in the community and at the health centre," she said, emotionally.

Hope was reborn. Distance was no longer a barrier, and help arrived at the right time. To ensure a full recovery, the health agent paid follow-up visits to the family.

"When they returned from the centre, I visited the family to check on the child's condition. Today, Gilda is healthy," said Fernando, the Polyvalent Health Agent.

According to health authorities, from January to May this year, about 6,1 million people were diagnosed with malaria, in Mozambique. 

The Community Health Agents have shortened distances between community members and health services, as first aid gets closer to their home, despair diminishes, and hope grows. Community Health Workers and Multi-Health Workers build a bridge between the community and health services, saving lives every day.