The role of community-based initiatives in addressing healthcare challenges has gained significant attention, particularly in Kenya, where women’s chamas (informal savings and investment groups) have shown immense potential in bridging the gaps in healthcare access. A recent study suggests that the shortcomings of existing insurance schemes, coupled with economic hardships, motivate many women to seek alternative healthcare solutions through cooperative societies. These cooperatives could offer better coverage, ensuring that women and their families receive necessary medical care without the financial burden often associated with private insurance plans.
According to research conducted under the “Catalyzing Women’s Involvement in Post-Covid-19 Recovery through Agricultural Cooperatives in Kenya” (Winrack Project), 89.8 percent of women would willingly subscribe to a healthcare insurance scheme established by their own cooperative societies. Additionally, 94.1 percent of the respondents expressed a willingness to recommend such a scheme to others, indicating strong community trust and interest in these initiatives. These findings highlight a significant opportunity to harness the power of chamas and community-based cooperatives in strengthening healthcare systems, particularly for maternal and child health.
Professor Wycliffe Oboka, one of the researchers involved in the study, pointed out that many women would be willing to join health insurance cooperatives because of the inadequacies of existing schemes. He emphasized that the high cost of living, coupled with limited access to financial resources, has placed an overwhelming burden on women, making cooperative health insurance schemes an attractive solution. With such cooperative models, women can pool their resources and collectively access affordable healthcare services, reducing the economic strain on individual households.
Supporting these findings, data from the Chamas for Change Women Rise group under the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (Ampath) demonstrates the transformative power of such initiatives. The research indicates that women participating in chamas are significantly more likely to receive essential maternal healthcare services. For instance, 73 percent of these women are more likely to attend at least four antenatal care visits, while 68 percent are more likely to deliver in a health facility. Moreover, 98 percent receive Community Health Volunteer services within 48 hours of delivery, and 74 percent exclusively breastfeed their infants for six months. These statistics underscore the crucial role chamas play in promoting maternal and child health.
Anjella Juma, a researcher at Ampath, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and worsened structural challenges within global health systems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services were significantly affected, leaving many women and children vulnerable. However, she pointed out that chamas provide a strong support network that enables women to share resources, access healthcare information, and navigate systemic challenges within their communities. She emphasized the need for governments to integrate community-level interventions with formal health systems, ensuring that essential maternal and newborn health services remain accessible, even during times of crisis.
The financial challenges faced by many women, including dependency on spouses for resources, unpredictable agricultural yields, and high insurance premiums, further highlight the necessity of alternative healthcare financing models. Existing insurance schemes often exclude low-income earners or charge prohibitive premiums, making healthcare access difficult for many women. Researchers have recommended the establishment of a dedicated emergency medical fund within cooperative societies. Such a fund would provide tailored insurance services that directly address the medical needs of women and their families, offering a sustainable and community-driven solution to persistent healthcare challenges.
By leveraging the power of chamas, communities can take control of their healthcare needs, ensuring that women and children receive quality medical services without undue financial strain. Integrating these grassroots initiatives with formal healthcare systems would not only improve maternal and child health outcomes but also create a more resilient and inclusive healthcare framework for all.
