The Issue
An evaluation of a participatory learning and action intervention to support health workers to act as change agents for improving quality of care for mothers and newborns in rural health facilities in South Africa.
Maternal and newborn health outcomes in rural South Africa lag behind global targets due to weak health systems, under-resourced facilities, and isolated, unsupported health workers. Challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited teamwork, and low staff motivation prevent the delivery of high-quality, respectful care.
The Intervention
The STAR project uses a low-cost, participatory learning and action approach to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among rural health workers in district hospitals. Health workers are trained as STAR Champions to lead learning sessions, identify local challenges, and co-develop solutions. Ongoing mentorship, workshops, and WhatsApp support groups reinforce implementation and promote sustainability.
The Impact
By fostering ownership and capacity among frontline health workers, STAR improves the quality of maternal and newborn care in rural districts. The intervention supports a culture of continuous improvement, enhances staff confidence and collaboration, and provides evidence for scalable, sustainable strategies to strengthen rural health systems.
