The Community-Based Distribution model aims to improve access to health products in areas where very little or no health services exist.  With this delivery model, select community members are trained to deliver critical information and products directly to others in their community—typically, microfinance clients who come together regularly for financial transactions.  This direct service addresses priority needs of those at a significant distance from hospitals and clinics.  Community-Based Distribution has been employed thus far to address reproductive health and family planning issues, in particular, through distribution of contraceptive products.

Community-Based Distribution can help the poor

• improve awareness and use of local health services to meet critical reproductive health needs;

• increase knowledge of family planning options;

• enhance knowledge and support behavior change to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and other reproductive health threats; and

• access contraceptives.

Community-Based Distribution can help implementing organizations

• foster new employment opportunities amongst their clients;

• improve client performance as a result of reducing unexpected pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS;

• differentiate their service and enhance their competitiveness amongst microfinance organizations; and

• forge relationships with complementary government health programs and private health hospitals and clinics.

Freedom from Hunger’s collaborations have launched Community-Based Distribution in Haiti by Action Contre La Misère (ACLAM) and in Bolivia by Crédito con Educación Rural (CRECER).