Strategies for Expanding Access to Care in Underserved Communities
Access to health care is a fundamental human right and a key determinant of health outcomes. However, many communities around the world face barriers to accessing quality and affordable health care services, especially those that are marginalized, rural, or low-income. These communities are often referred to as underserved, meaning that they have unmet health needs or face challenges in obtaining health care due to factors such as geographic isolation, poverty, discrimination, or lack of insurance.
Expanding access to care in underserved communities is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration and innovation from various stakeholders, including governments, health care providers, civil society organizations, and community members. Some of the strategies that have been proposed or implemented to address this challenge include:
– Improving health care infrastructure and resources: This involves investing in building or upgrading health facilities, equipment, and supplies, as well as ensuring adequate and well-trained health workforce, especially in rural or remote areas. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Health Systems Strengthening for Universal Health Coverage Partnership Programme, which supports countries in strengthening their health systems and improving access to essential health services for all .
– Enhancing health care financing and coverage: This involves expanding health insurance schemes or social protection mechanisms that reduce out-of-pocket payments and increase financial protection for health care users, especially those who are poor or vulnerable. For example, the Global Financing Facility (GFF) is a multi-stakeholder partnership that supports countries in mobilizing and aligning domestic and external resources for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition .
– Promoting community-based and integrated health care delivery: This involves providing health care services that are accessible, acceptable, and appropriate to the needs and preferences of the community, as well as integrating different levels and types of care across the continuum of prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation. For example, the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program in Ethiopia is a national initiative that trains and deploys CHWs to provide basic health services and referrals to the rural population .
These strategies are not mutually exclusive or exhaustive, but rather complementary and context-specific. Expanding access to care in underserved communities is not only a moral obligation but also a smart investment that can improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and foster social and economic development.
