Page 127 - GHES-3-2

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Community participation in primary health care

Structured meetings and comprehensive documentation access. TBAs emerge as vital contributors, with 90% of
also reveal the rigorous nature of WDC activities. assessed communities having TBAs. These community-
A staggering 97% of WDCs conduct monthly meetings, based healthcare providers fill critical gaps, ensuring
marking their dedication to regular and structured maternal and child healthcare services are accessible, even
engagement. These meetings transcend mere gatherings; in remote areas. This community-driven approach resonates
they serve as platforms for collaboration, knowledge with the ideals of community participation embedded in
exchange, and collective decision-making—a hallmark of many healthcare frameworks.
participatory implementation frameworks. Furthermore, 67% of communities have established
Furthermore, 87% of WDCs diligently document the ETSs, a lifeline during healthcare crises. Consequently,
minutes of these meetings. This meticulous record-keeping maternal and child health outcomes are improved,
demonstrates their commitment to transparency and aligning with the overarching goals of healthcare delivery
accountability. The practice of documenting meeting minutes frameworks.
not only complies with health care reporting standards but
also embodies the spirit of evidence-based decision-making, 4.6. Community participation in the wider context
a cornerstone of effective healthcare implementation. The study delves deeper into community participation,
extending beyond the purview of WDCs. Notably, 60% of
4.3. Financial sustainability and accountability communities boast volunteer service providers, while 25%
WDCs also exhibit resourcefulness in funding their have volunteer mobilizers for public enlightenment and
activities, with 91% possessing means of generating funds. campaigns. These volunteers play instrumental roles in
This financial acumen highlights their commitment to self- augmenting healthcare service delivery. Their involvement
sustainability, a principle cherished in modern healthcare echoes the principles of community engagement and
systems. However, only 16% of WDCs maintain bank participation that are inherent in healthcare systems
accounts, suggesting an opportunity for capacity-building strengthening frameworks.
in financial management. Establishing robust financial The study’s findings underscore the symbiotic
systems aligns with the principles of financial sustainability relationship between community-based structures
outlined in healthcare frameworks.
like WDCs, healthcare accountability mechanisms,
4.4. WDCs and accountability mechanisms community engagement, and enhanced accessibility,
all within the context of implementation frameworks
A noteworthy finding of the study is the profound of science and health care. These outcomes emphasize
impact of WDCs on accountability mechanisms within the importance of leveraging local resources, fostering
the healthcare system. Their involvement has led to the community participation, and promoting transparency as
establishment of community-led DRF schemes, with key strategies for implementing effective health care and
33% of these schemes initiated in Kebbi State, where no ultimately improving health outcomes.
functional government-driven DRF existed. Establishing
community-led DRF schemes resonates with the principles 4.7. Community-driven health care
of resource mobilization, a pivotal component of healthcare We found evidence of structured meetings and
financing frameworks.
comprehensive documentation, such as meeting notes,
WDCs have also played a transformative role in among most WDCs. This suggests that WDCs deliberated
promoting transparency. For instance, 97% of these on community issues related to primary care services
committees actively participate in PHC monthly offered by catchment health facilities. These meetings
meetings for decision-making. The result is a remarkable articulate community concerns and priorities, presenting
transformation in PHC facilities, with 61% publicly opportunities to build consensus on viewpoints regarding
displaying their operational hours. This practice is a the relationship between health facilities and communities.
testament to the influence of WDCs on governance and The study found that up to 97% of WDCs conduct monthly
accountability mechanisms, a principle deeply rooted in meetings, offering platforms for collaboration, knowledge
healthcare governance frameworks. exchange, and collective decision-making, a hallmark of
participatory implementation frameworks. Furthermore,
4.5. Community structures for enhanced healthcare 87% of WDCs diligently document the minutes of these
access meetings. This meticulous record-keeping demonstrates
Beyond the sphere of WDCs, the study unveils the significance their commitment to transparency and accountability.
of additional community structures in bolstering healthcare Documenting meeting minutes complies with health care

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 119 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.4945