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Approach to Implementation

Creating an enabling environment
COMPASS assists with the review of both national and state policies, rules, regulations and standards of care that influence child survival programming. This is both for existing child health programs as well as for those that may need to be created.  Factors limiting the quality and availability of services are identified and assistance is given to create an environment that enables positive change to occur. 

Strengthening systems
COMPASS works with providers from both public and private health care facilities to improve the quality of pediatric care by updating standards of clinical practice and clinical guidelines for most common causes of child deaths.  Wherever possible, simple and practical interventions are implemented to influence changes in provider behaviour and performance. 

In addition to provider training, COMPASS is creating innovative systems for offering supervision and giving feedback to providers on their own performance. Also, efforts are made to assure the timely provision of supplies and commodities. 

Educating communities for increased demand
Through its Nigerian partner networks, community coalitions, and community health promoters, COMPASS is increasing utilisation and quality of appropriate health services for immunization, and home-based management of malaria in children.  COMPASS is identifying and addressing the reasons why some may not seek health care services and is working with other development partners to design and implement communications and behavioural change programs for local communities.

Linking providers with the community
COMPASS is teaching Community Health Promoters (CHPs) how to educate community members - especially women and mothers - about healthy behaviours for themselves and their children, including sound nutritional practices and home-based recognition and treatment of fevers, malaria, acute respiratory infections and diarrhea.  CHPs also provide referrals and are strong advocates for the provision of newborn care.

Supporting Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
COMPASS supports NGOs’ efforts to use community-based providers to expand access to child survival information and services. COMPASS strengthens and maximizes the effectiveness of these community-based services through hands-on technical assistance.

Upgrading health facilities
By the end of the project, COMPASS expects to upgrade more than 50 health facilities into model quality sites. Renovated sites will provide integrated health services for child health and reproductive health.

Expected Results

In the areas where COMPASS supports child survival activities, it is expected that 80% of children will receive their DPT3 vaccinations.  Other specific end-of-project outcomes include: 

• Healthy children in COMPASS-supported communities; 
• Health providers adhering to quality standards when delivering services; 
• Mothers and fathers demanding child health services; and
• Integrated and functioning health service delivery points.