The CareTech Foundation’s partnership with MAITS (Multi-Agency International Training and Support) launched the transformative Community Health Worker (CHW) Empowerment Programme in Pakistan and Bangladesh in 2021. Supported by a £45,000 grant over three years, this initiative aimed to improve the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families by equipping community health workers with the skills needed to provide vital support, early intervention, and home-based care.
MAITS, a global leader in capacity-building, has trained more than 6,952 individuals across 23 countries, benefiting over 1.35 million children with disabilities and their families. Building on this legacy, the CHW Empowerment Programme focused on reaching underserved families in regions with limited access to therapy centres or specialist services.
By 2024, the programme had achieved significant impact, directly supporting 2,995 children with disabilities and their families. It adapted to challenges by revising trainer certification criteria to ensure the highest quality of delivery. To date, 62 trainers have been certified, enabling vital training within their communities.
A key milestone was the collaboration with the University of Karachi in Pakistan, which integrated community-based rehabilitation into its Special Education curriculum—a first for the institution. Sixteen professionals were trained in 2024, with plans to expand this initiative further.
In Bangladesh, the programme partnered with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) to train an additional 30 CHWs in 2024. These workers are now providing grassroots interventions with minimal oversight. CRP stands as a model for sustainable, community-led healthcare initiatives.
Ahmed’s story exemplifies the programme’s impact. A 7-year-old boy in Pakistan, Ahmed faces multiple challenges, including hearing and visual impairments, seizures, and behavioural issues resulting from meningitis. With the support of a MAITS-trained CHW, Ahmed’s mother learned effective strategies to encourage his independence through play and small tasks. This support has significantly improved Ahmed’s quality of life, showcasing the life-changing potential of community-based care.
The programme also prioritised long-term impact through the creation of free, accessible resources. Training materials tailored to South Asian communities were translated into Sindhi, Urdu, and Bangla, while video resources for parents in English and Urdu extended the programme’s reach. These resources ensure that essential knowledge is preserved locally, enabling a ripple effect of positive change.
By the programme’s conclusion, the cost of support per family was just £27, highlighting its scalability and efficiency. Community health workers continue to provide essential services, ensuring the programme’s sustainability beyond its original scope.
The CareTech Foundation is proud to have supported this initiative, which leaves a lasting legacy of empowerment, education, and community-driven solutions. It’s success serves as a powerful example of how partnerships can create meaningful change for children with disabilities and their families.
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