Refresher Training for Frontline Health Workers in Expanded ... - RHO

Case Study: Earn the diploma!
Four months ago a health worker talked with Almaz about bringing her child to
immunizations. Almaz brought her baby to outreach where DPT1 & Polio 1 were
given. The baby had a slight fever after the immunization. Almaz did not worry,
however, since the health worker had told the mother to possibly expect mild fever
after the immunization and it was nothing to worry about. And to bring her baby back
in four weeks for the next dose of DPT & Polio. Now the baby has received all DPT
immunizations and the mother says she will bring her baby at nine months old for the
measles immunization. Almaz says that she wants to protect her baby and get the
immunization diploma!
1. What behavioral stage best describes this woman’s situation? Why?
Adoption. Almaz has continued to bring her child for immunizations though
she has not yet completed the series.
2. What is needed to ensure this mother brings her child to complete the
immunizations?
Further praise and encouragement from the health worker in addition to
reminders about bringing her baby for the measles vaccination at 9 months.
Case Study: Outreach in Wanja Kebele
Nurse Hiwot arrives in Wanja kebele for an outreach session. Hiwot notices that
only a few mothers have come for immunization. While she prepares for the session,
a few more mothers arrive. She vaccinates those few children who are around. She
then eats a bit of lunch that she has brought and waits for about another hour. As no
more mothers come, she packs up her things and goes back to the health center.
1. “What could Hiwot have done so that more mothers would have brought their
children to the immunization session?”
Some suggestions: talk with community health workers (community health
promoters, CBRHAs) to spread the word that the immunization team has
arrived; she could have contacted the Kebele officials to send out the word
that the immunization team had arrived; use a mega phone to alert mothers in
the Kebele after contacting local officials and community health workers.
2. “What can health workers always do when they arrive at the outreach site so that
mothers know they have arrived?”
The same as Q1. response. However, it is even better if the health worker
works with Kebele leaders and community health workers to notify mothers in
advance of the day scheduled for immunizations.
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