Community Based Health Care

Community Health · Level 6 · 7 Chapters

▣ What this unit covers

In this unit, you will be able to confidently plan and deliver comprehensive community-based health care by assessing local needs and coordinating with health service providers. You will skillfully manage essential services, from disease diagnosis and treatment to palliative care and disaster preparedness, ensuring quality and compassionate support for your community. By the end, you'll be equipped to strengthen health connections, provide effective counselling, and monitor treatment adherence, making a real difference in the lives of those you serve.

■ Where this takes you

Community Based Health Care skills open doors to making a real difference in the health and wellbeing of Kenyan communities. Whether you work in rural villages or urban informal settlements, mastering these skills means you can lead efforts to improve access to health services, prevent disease, and support vulnerable populations. Your expertise will be valued across many sectors, and you will be empowered to build a meaningful career or business that uplifts lives.

Work with community health volunteers (CHVs) and public health officers in county health departments, helping to design and implement health outreach programs tailored to local needs—from immunization drives to maternal health education.
Join organizations like Kenyatta National Hospital outreach teams, NGOs, or faith-based groups providing HIV/TB counseling and palliative care, ensuring patients receive compassionate, standards-based support.
Engage with the jua kali sector by training informal caregivers or offering community-based health consultancy services, creating entrepreneurial opportunities that improve health literacy and care quality.
Collaborate with agribusinesses and schools to conduct health needs assessments and disaster preparedness planning, reducing risks from waterborne diseases and environmental hazards.
Support the matatu industry by organizing health and safety awareness campaigns for drivers and conductors, helping reduce accidents and occupational health issues.
Work in county disaster management units to assess and improve community disaster preparedness, ensuring swift, coordinated responses during emergencies like floods or disease outbreaks.

By mastering Community Based Health Care, you position yourself as a vital link between health systems and communities, gaining skills that are in high demand and making a lasting impact on Kenya’s health future. Your commitment will not only build your career but also transform the lives of those around you. Keep learning and leading—Kenya’s health needs you!