As a health surveillance assistant, Chrissy Taula knows her small community of Mngwere, Dedza district, Malawi well. For the past 12 years, she has immunized children against vaccine-preventable diseases, advised families on exclusive breastfeeding and infant nutrition, educated families about family planning methods, and measured children to ensure their growth is on track. “I really enjoy being able to go into the community and interact with the families,” says Taula, who became a health surveillance assistant after years of seeing people in her community suffer from ill health. “With me, families are free to express their mind and their views.” Though Taula serves as the first level of care in her community, she’s limited in the care she