Public Health Educator

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.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

Volunteers live in rural and semi‑urban communities across Madagascar’s Boeny, Alaotra Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Itasy, Vakinankartra, Amoron’l Mania, and Matsiatra Ambony regions. Housing is modest and may include inconsistent electricity or water access. Daily commutes consist of walking or biking to the work site or markets.

Receive high-quality training in maternal and child health, hygiene, nutrition, health promotion, and community engagement—a strong foundation for any public health career.

Gain a deeper understanding of the health-related challenges faced by families in Africa.

Build Malagasy language proficiency and cultural understanding in a way only possible through extended, immersive living in the community.

Conduct behavior change activities using evidence-based methodologies.

Facilitate pregnant mothers’ group meetings to encourage at least four antenatal care visits.

Train care group mothers in essential nutrition and the preparation of hygienic and nutritious food.

Work alongside caregivers to prevent childhood illnesses and malaria.

Facilitate youth clubs and camps that promote healthy lifestyles, positive youth development, and reproductive health.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting community-wide awareness events and after-school sports.

As a Public Health Educator, you will be trained on behavior change methodologies in care group settings, endemic disease prevention, and conducting home visits. Peace Corps/Madagascar will teach you the Malagasy language to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources to support your learning.

After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with health workers, caregivers, and families to assess maternal and child health needs and develop long-term solutions.