Capacity Strengthening in Guyana Pays Off for Region 7

Written by: Joann Simpson, Program Officer II, Breakthrough ACTION, and Camille Adams, M&E Officer, Breakthrough ACTION

In Guyana, Breakthrough ACTION’s work to strengthen the capacity of regional Vector Control Services teams in social and behavior change has paid off. Literally.

In Region 7, the local Vector Control Services team prepared a winning proposal to secure a new 4×4 pickup truck from the Ministry of Health thanks to data they collected and analyzed. The data included maps showing the location of volunteer malaria testers, the hard-to-reach nature of testing sites, trends in test rates and malaria cases, and a comparison showing the performance of volunteer testers against a regional hospital. Breakthrough ACTION had worked with this team to strengthen their capacity in data analysis, data utilization, and strategic advocacy.

“You (Breakthrough ACTION) always say make your data work for you, well we used the data in our vehicle proposal, and it was successful!!!”

– Royan Teixeira, Microscopist, Region 7 VCS

The regional team will use their new pickup truck to conduct regular supportive supervision visits, restock volunteer malaria testers with supplies, and train more volunteers. These efforts will help extend the reach of malaria prevention and treatment services, improving the functionality of these services, and ultimately contribute to their sustainability.

The Region 7 Vector Control Services team followed this win with yet another. Following a SMART Advocacy workshop conducted by Breakthrough ACTION, Region 7 used their annual report as an advocacy tool. The team provided evidence of the impact of their work to advocate for additional resources for training, and testing and treatment supplies that will build a strong structural base and sustain the program.

Strengthening the capacity of country partners in social and behavior change approaches can have tangible outcomes for both immediate and long-term needs. The Region 7 Vector Control Services team is well-positioned to continue their important work to prevent, detect, and treat malaria. Breakthrough ACTION will be at their side to contribute to their efforts.