Daniela completed her BA in Psychology at the Iberoamericana University of Mexico City, and spent a semester abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands. During her studies, she did several internships and practicums, working with a wide range of vulnerable populations. Among these, she worked in a juvenile detention center, leading psychosocial workshops with youth in conflict with the law to facilitate their reintegration into society. During her internship at BRAC, she participated in a research project with Community Health Workers (CHW) across Uganda. The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different types of incentives, to improve the motivation and performance of CHWs—and from this, maternal and child health outcomes in the country. She was responsible for designing, implementing and analyzing the qualitative study, which consisted of focus group discussions, participatory activities, and interviews with CHWs, household members, and District Health Officers. She also supported the team in the quantitative data collection, by providing feedback on the survey, conducting training for the enumerators, and performing field supervision for data quality. 

 

Grassroots health interventions | Daniela Schmill Bardavid 

Community Health Workers (CHW) play an important role in the health system of Uganda. This photo depicts the dedicated female volunteers, who go from door to door visiting households especially mothers, pregnant women, and children. They are the front line of access to basic primary health care, providing referrals and information on hygiene and preventable diseases; this includes delivering sensitization on family planning, HIV screening, and other health-related issues. For many communities, CHWs are the main or only access to any type of health service or information. Their role has helped improve child and maternal health, and to reduce child mortality across many developing countries. 

 

 

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