Dr. Sarah Patel has launched a new community-based health program in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health and local community health workers. The initiative focuses on nutrition security, preventative health, and improving access to healthcare services. The program uses a participatory approach, training community health workers to deliver evidence-based interventions while respecting local knowledge and practices. Initial results show promising improvements in maternal and child health indicators. “Community health workers are the backbone of healthcare in rural areas,” Dr. Patel explained. “Our role is to support and strengthen their critical work.”