Since the training of agogo in 2004, in a series of workshops held at Ekwendeni Hospital, there has been considerable anecdotal evidence on the positive community response to the Agogo Approach and of its positive influence on the grandparents’ attitudes and practices. However, prior to this rapid assessment, no previous systematic review or evaluation of the approach had been carried out. For this reason, and given Save the Children’s interest in documenting and packaging the Agogo Approach as part of its Malawi Newborn Health Program with funding from USAID/GH/HIDN/NUT/CSHGP and SNL, it was determined that a critical review of the approach should be carried out in close collaboration with Ekwendeni PHC staff.
The purpose of the assessment, as defined in the Scope of Work, was to assist the Ekwendeni PHC team to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Agogo approach with a view to refinement, expansion, documentation and packaging.
The objectives for the assessment, developed with the PHC team in Ekwendeni, were:
- to assess the relevance of the Agogo Approach for the communities in Ekwendeni’s catchment area
- to assess the results of the approach based on qualitative information
- to identify the key factors that have contributed to the positive results
- to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the approach
- to identify the most effective incentives to motivate the agogo
- to formulate recommendations for strengthening Agogo involvement and learning within the catchment area
- to formulate recommendations for expanding the Agogo approach beyond the catchment area
- to formulate recommendations for documenting and “packaging” the approach (in order to be able to share it with others)
Learn more
>Download the full report, The Ekwendeni Agogo Approach: Grandparents as agents of change for newborn survival"
>View the Agogo Training Manual
>Check out the Living Proof video: In Malawi, Grandparents Shaping Safe Childbirth