Public Health Educator in Madagascar

Job description

We are looking for U.S. citizens who want to be a part of something bigger and are willing to go the distance to make a difference. Is that you?

In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps Volunteers are putting their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities – growing, teaching, learning, and making change together.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you'll live and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects, receiving a stipend and other support as you immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll build relationships, exchange knowledge, and help transform lives for generations.

About the project

Advance your career in maternal and child health while creating healthier futures for Malagasy families.

Over the past two decades, Madagascar has made significant progress in improving maternal and child health. The Ministry of Public Health has emphasized antenatal care, skilled delivery, postpartum care, malaria prevention, vaccination, and adolescent health. Despite these efforts, maternal and child mortality rates remain high, and adolescent pregnancy continues to affect many young women. In fact, a third of young women ages 15-19 have had children or are pregnant. Community health workers in Madagascar are elected by their communities and are often among the most educated individuals in their villages. Despite their essential role in delivering care to mothers and children, most community health workers receive only one to two weeks of initial training, which does not adequately equip them to manage the range and complexity of health needs they face. As a result, external capacity‑building support is crucial to help strengthen their skills, provide ongoing training, and ensure they can deliver safe, effective, and reliable care to the communities they serve.

As a Public Health Educator, you will play a vital role in strengthening access to health education, preventive services, and supportive health environments. Alongside health workers, caretakers, and families, you will promote healthier pregnancies and stronger communities. You will serve as a mentor to teens, encouraging them to make healthy and informed choices for their futures.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Madagascar project page.