Perspectives of Migrant Link Workers on Strengthening the Provision of Maternal and Child Healthcare Services for Female Migrants

The vulnerable population of migrant women face increased challenges in the areas of maternal and child health. The recruitment of Migrant Link Workers (MLWs) in Ernakulam district, Kerala, is a first of its kind initiative wherein resourceful migrants identified from within the migrant community with lived experiences of migration themselves, serve as health activists working closely with frontline healthcare workers to cater to the migrant community. This study employed a phenomenological research design to explore the perspectives of MLWs on their role in strengthening the provision of maternal and child health services to female migrants in the district. Four broad themes emerged namely (1) collaborating with local healthcare workers to enhance services; (2) accountability towards the migrant community; (3) competencies and core strengths; and (4) challenges in engaging the migrant community. In conclusion, the efforts of MLWs have enhanced the delivery of maternal and child immunization services by strongly supplementing the services of local frontline healthcare workers.