Ms Michelle Dowden1
1One Disease
One Disease has been working to eliminate Crusted Scabies as a public health concern. A major strategy is working with communities to create Scabies Free Zones. Evaluations have reported that the One Disease is a well-regarded program. Highlights include the model fits well with the health service context and is acceptable to participating providers.
The focus in the final years has been on maintaining a scabies free zones and has included working with Aboriginal leadership, developing a range of resources for use within communities. This approach has been critical for working with communities and households to provide education and support for a scabies free environment. Involvement of communities and households as active partners in passing on the story of Crusted Scabies and developing a community approach to supporting scabies-free households is needed.
Key success factors have been a partnership approach with strong leadership from staff with a deep knowledge of the local context and ways of working. Respectful two-way learning that fosters trust and good relationships with communities & individuals Coordination, navigation, and support to improve integration of patient care & assist people to access & complete treatment & self-manage in the context of poor living conditions and overcrowding.
Biography:
Michelle is currently the CEO for One Disease. She has worked as a Registered Nurse Midwife with over 25 years’ experience conducting health programs that focus on good clinical outcomes and the social determinants of health. The focus of her work has been with remote indigenous communities and other large indigenous health services throughout Australia both in research and service delivery.
Exploring how to embed processes for sustainability is paramount in the way Michelle works. She continues to be involved with research and contributes to peer reviewed publications.
Michelle.dowden@onedisease.org