How can mother-to-mother support activities be sustained?
Some of the challenges to sustainability are the shortage and turn-over of volunteers as well as financial constraints. Turn-over is often the result of family responsibilities and a lack of recognition and acceptance of the volunteers by health care providers. These challenges can be addressed by focusing on one or two activities, matching tasks to available time, and providing incentives. Examples of incentives for volunteers include stipends, food, free medical services, a graduation ceremony and training diploma, and special clothing and other articles to distinguish the volunteers. Some programs have addressed financial constraints by initiating income-generating activities, such as the sale of tee-shirts, posters, and educational materials. Others have approached various donors for training and program grants and for in-kind contribution of goods (such as office space and equipment) and services. Lack of collaboration with other health services threatens sustainability. As a gene
