Advances in Public Health Outreach Through Mobile Clinics and Faith-Based Community Engagement in Africa

• Author(s): Leesi Saturday Komi ; Ernest Chinonso Chianumba ; Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo ; Damilola Osamika ; Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha
• Paper ID: 1708180
• Page: 159-178
• Published Date: 28-02-2021
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 4 Issue 8 February-2021

Abstract

In many African countries, access to healthcare remains a critical challenge, particularly in remote and underserved communities. Traditional healthcare delivery systems are often hindered by infrastructural, economic, and sociocultural barriers. This systematic review examines the advances in public health outreach through the dual approach of mobile clinics and faith-based community engagement in Africa. The integration of mobile clinics has emerged as a pivotal strategy for extending healthcare services such as immunization, maternal and child health care, infectious disease screening, and non-communicable disease management. These mobile units effectively bridge the geographic divide by bringing essential health services directly to communities that lack fixed healthcare infrastructure. Simultaneously, faith-based organizations (FBOs) have historically played an instrumental role in African public health, often possessing deep-rooted trust and influence within local populations. The collaboration between mobile health units and FBOs enhances community engagement, boosts health education, and encourages health-seeking behaviors by leveraging the spiritual and social capital of religious institutions. Evidence from recent interventions demonstrates that such partnerships improve vaccine uptake, HIV/AIDS awareness, antenatal care attendance, and general health literacy. This review also identifies key enablers of successful outreach, including local leadership involvement, culturally-sensitive communication, donor funding, and capacity-building of community health workers. However, challenges persist, notably limited logistical support, inconsistent funding, and coordination difficulties between secular health agencies and religious organizations. The study emphasizes the need for a standardized framework for evaluating the outcomes of these hybrid outreach models and for integrating digital health innovations to scale efforts efficiently. In conclusion, the combination of mobile clinics and faith-based engagement offers a sustainable and culturally congruent model for enhancing public health outreach in Africa. These advances represent a paradigm shift towards inclusive, community-driven healthcare solutions. Future policies should prioritize this integrated approach to strengthen health systems, increase access, and improve population health outcomes across the continent.

Keywords

Mobile Clinics, Faith-Based Organizations, Public Health Outreach, Africa, Community Engagement, Healthcare Access, Health Literacy, Health Equity, Underserved Populations, Health Systems Strengthening.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Leesi Saturday Komi , Ernest Chinonso Chianumba , Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo , Damilola Osamika , Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha "Advances in Public Health Outreach Through Mobile Clinics and Faith-Based Community Engagement in Africa" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 4 Issue 8 2021 Page 159-178

IEEE:
Leesi Saturday Komi , Ernest Chinonso Chianumba , Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo , Damilola Osamika , Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha "Advances in Public Health Outreach Through Mobile Clinics and Faith-Based Community Engagement in Africa" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 4(8)