Ten Years of TIP Global Health

In 2012, TIP Global Health embarked upon an ambitious initiative to decrease childhood malnutrition in Gakenke District in the Northern Province of Rwanda by focusing our efforts on the most vulnerable subpopulation- HIV-positive pregnant women and their HIV-exposed children- while strengthening the entire system of care for pregnant women and children under five years of age. And it worked. A review of independently conducted Demographic & Health Surveys from 2012 through  2019/20 showed dramatic improvements in health outcomes for  all children under five in Gakenke District, serving  a population  of 340,000 people.

• Stunting declined by 40% compared to a national decline of 26%
• Underweight declined by 52% compared to a national decline of 28%
• Zero mother-to-child HIV transmissions since 2016. 
• Child mortality decreased by 65% compared to a national decline of 41%

TIP’s model works. In 2021, our team demonstrated the durability and scalability of our model. While other locations suffered devastating service interruptions during the pandemic, women in Gakenke District were more engaged in antenatal care than ever before, with 50% of pregnant women receiving at least four antenatal care visits (national average is 44%). During rigid lockdowns that led to food insecurity, nearly 1,500 children at highest risk of malnutrition in 24 health facilities were quickly identified using E-Heza Data Solutions, provided with Aheza Fortified Porridge for at least three months, and their progress tracked – decreasing severe underweight and severe wasting in the group by 40% and 60% respectively. CHWs were able to use E-Heza to continue their important work of identifying and treating uncomplicated cases of malaria in their communities while referring those at high risk for Covid-19 or complications of malaria to health facilities. The expansion of our model to two new districts in Rwanda was rapidly accelerated through the implementation of E-Heza Data Solutions, and our team conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with over 240 people to understand the influencers of hope among frontline health workers and women at a time when hope is more important than ever. 

Despite the many global challenges over the last three years – from a prolonged pandemic to service interruptions and food shortages – our team has remained resilient and driven by our vision that quality healthcare can lead to inclusive, empowered, and healthy communities. 

While expanding our model and impact, we also deepened our influence on the global stage. We joined the Community Health Impact Coalition, a powerful advocacy organization dedicated to a professionalized Community Health Worker workforce. E-Heza was added to the Digital Public Goods Alliance DPG Registry. We contributed to the World Health Organization Health Workforce team’s new strategy that was unveiled during the World Health Assembly in 2022. Recently, TIP Global Health has been invited to serve as an advisor for Africa CDC.

TIP’s success would not be possible without the support of our partners and the confidence in our work from our supporters like you. 

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