![]() Specifically, monthly meetings are designed to provide a supportive environment for community health workers to discuss any problems with Merlin staff and with volunteers from other villages. This relationship is designed to feed health workers' confidence in passing on key health messages in awareness raising sessions and in suggesting new methods and forums. Merlin provides community health workers with direct support and ensures they have the backing of the village health committee. According to Merlin, working closely with community members and focusing activities on prevention and awareness can make a real difference in improving the health status of these vulnerable communities. Core health messages are developed and delivered through a variety of culturally appropriate methods including focus groups discussions, awareness sessions by community leaders, songs, and plays. A key part of the project is a comprehensive behaviour change communication (BCC) strategy. This health communication initiative is based on the premise that when community members have accurate information about health, they can make better choices about how to stay healthy. The involvement of the whole village at every stage is part of this effort to provide peer support and community responsibility for healthy behaviour change. The organisation also works closely with household decision-makers and community leaders, including religious leaders. Specifically, Merlin's project aims to tackle some of the myths and misunderstandings about health, and promotes good practice through a multi-pronged approach, working with mobile medical teams, community health workers, auxiliary midwives, and village health committees. ![]() Due to the fact that, this can be catastrophic for a woman experiencing difficulties in childbirth, Merlin has sought to increase community knowledge about health and to support an environment where people can take steps to better health. In this isolated region, visiting a health facility can mean a 2- or 3-day walk across steep mountains. The United Kingdom (UK)-based organisation Merlin has been addressing maternal health in Chin Hills, North West Myanmar, since late 2007. ![]()
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