Global Health is a hot topic and becoming more so: there are many organizations and governments attempting to play the global health game. There is clearly a need for sustainable health systems, as the developing world is seriously afflicted by ongoing health needs. Throughout the world, communities vary with regard to disease burden and ability to cope. NGOs (non-governmental organizations, a fan
cy name for charities) have altruistic intentions, but not always the right solutions. While there are many charities building clinics, hospitals, water and sanitation systems, schools, and other projects, one major weakness exists: charities love to donate to build a structure, but rarely donate to maintain it. Many vaunted projects have failed because of neglect and local inability to maintain systems. A New Paradigm is needed: Self-sufficient community-based health centers. Health Care systems are needed that “stand and stay.” While charity is effective for initiating the process, it is not realistic for maintaining projects on a long-term basis. A community should be responsible for continuing the growth of projects. A well-integrated approach, with an international network, can create a clinic or hospital in a needy community, train the local population to take it over, and create income streams for future sustainment. The bulk of the cost is in initiating the system and creating the infrastructure. Once the system is up and running, the money required to sustain the services is much less and much more manageable for local communities. Ongoing Income Streams:
-Charge physicians for lab/imaging/procedures
-Patient fees: care is not free, but cheap—based upon the ability to pay; payment of any kind is acceptable, such as eggs, fruits, cash, etc.
-Pharmacy
-Rental fees for private physician offices
-Rental fees for storefront spaces
-Café/Restaurant
-Locally-based projects: e.g. make mosquito nets, ORS, coffee/tea, etc. Jamii Health International’s goal is to build community-based health centers that are self-sufficient within 5 years. By then, the local administrator/group takes over, and JHI remains available for consultant needs, ongoing research, and quality control. During the incubation period, we aim to integrate local and foreign health care workers into the health care system. The health of the community improves through medical treatment in conjunction with education on preventive measures to avoid sickness. Each site also becomes a research center, identifying the local health issues through science and epidemiology. This research allows for efficient and effective measures to be made without wasting money in pursuit of good community health.
