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Using an ethics of care lens to understand the place of community health workers in Rwanda's maternal healthcare system

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  • Tuyisenge, Germaine
  • Crooks, Valorie A.
  • Berry, Nicole S.

Abstract

This study explores the informal care roles involved in the delivery of maternal health services by Rwanda's elected maternal community health workers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 such workers in five Rwandan districts to explore their understandings of why they were elected for this voluntary position; what motivates them to fulfill their responsibilities; and their experiences of providing maternal health services in a resource-limited context. Thematically exploring the findings using an ethics of care lens, we highlight how responsibility, vulnerability and mutuality inform the place of these workers' roles in the maternal care system and their villages. We conclude by acknowledging the significant responsibilities assigned by these works and that the burden that may result from taking on such care may negatively affect the sustainability of this initiative.

Suggested Citation

  • Tuyisenge, Germaine & Crooks, Valorie A. & Berry, Nicole S., 2020. "Using an ethics of care lens to understand the place of community health workers in Rwanda's maternal healthcare system," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:264:y:2020:i:c:s0277953620305165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113297
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kpienbaareh, Daniel & Atuoye, Kilian N. & Ngabonzima, Anaclet & Bagambe, Patrick G. & Rulisa, Stephen & Luginaah, Isaac & Cechetto, David F., 2019. "Spatio-temporal disparities in maternal health service utilization in Rwanda: What next for SDGs?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 226(C), pages 164-175.
    2. Maes, Kenneth & Kalofonos, Ippolytos, 2013. "Becoming and remaining community health workers: Perspectives from Ethiopia and Mozambique," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 52-59.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wee Chan Au & Siân Stephens, 2023. "I Am Not Just a Nurse: The Need for a Boundaried Ethic of Care in the Context of Prolific Relationality," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 186(3), pages 493-510, September.
    2. Yaovi Tossou, 2021. "Prenatal consultation and survival of children under five in Togo," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(6), pages 2336-2350, November.

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