Community Health Workers are vital to connecting families with essential healthcare, especially in remote areas where distance, cost and misinformation create significant barriers. With support from CHASE Africa, Backpack Nurses work closely with Community Health Workers, like Edith, to bring trusted, accessible services closer to women and children.
Edith’s experience in Baringo County in Kenya shows how community-led approaches can transform health behaviours and outcomes.
Limited access and missed opportunities
As a Community Health Worker for our local partner, Dandelion Africa, in Kampi Turkana, Edith spent her days visiting households to talk to women about health. Despite her efforts, access to services remained a major obstacle.
Before the Backpack Nurse site, life was difficult for many women in Kampi Turkana. As a Community Health Worker, I would go from house to house talking to women about health, but access to services was a big challenge.
The hospital is far from our village and most families couldn’t afford the transport. Many women gave birth at home without skilled care. Few attended antenatal clinics or took their children for immunisation. There was also a lot of fear and misinformation about family planning. I tried my best to educate them, but without services nearby, it was hard to see real change.
Edith works with our local partner Dandelion Africa
Although Edith had training and knowledge, she felt limited by the lack of nearby healthcare.
I had some training and awareness about maternal health and family planning, but I hoped that one day there would be a way to bring services closer to our people. I wanted to be part of something that could make a real difference.
Services within walking distance
The introduction of the Backpack Nurse site by Dandelion Africa marked a significant change for the community and for Edith’s role as a Community Health Worker.
The new Backpack Nurse site became a turning point for our community and for me as a Community Health Worker. The site is within walking distance for most women, which removed the barrier of transport and time.
I began referring women to the Backpack Nurse site. What made me trust the project was the consistency and kindness of the Nurse. She took time to explain services clearly and respectfully. Many women who had previously feared family planning, changed their minds after hearing accurate information.
A Backpack Nurse assesses a baby's weight
Women shared their positive experiences, helping to build confidence across the community.
One mother told me she was happy because she received care for both herself and her baby without going far. Another said she finally understood her options and was using a method that worked for her. Some women were still afraid or unsure, but hearing from their neighbours who had good experiences helped build trust. We worked together to spread the word and support each other.
Visible change across the community
Over time, Edith has seen clear improvements in health behaviours and outcomes.
I’ve seen real, visible change. More women now go for antenatal care, children are receiving all their vaccines, and more mothers are choosing safe delivery at health facilities. Family planning uptake has increased significantly.
The benefits extend beyond individual families to the wider community.
Daily life has improved, not just for individual families, but for the entire community. Children are healthier. Women feel more empowered and informed. As a Community Health Worker, I feel proud and motivated because I can now connect women to real, accessible care.
I also feel more respected in the community because people see the impact of the work I do. If this Backpack Nurse site hadn’t come, many women would still be delivering at home, missing vaccines, and lacking vital health knowledge. The Backpack Nurse site has truly brought better health to Kampi Turkana.
Clients who received maternal and child healthcare services at a Dandelion Africa outreach clinic