Lesson learned: implementing better mechanisms for identifying ideal PLs
RECRUITMENT
In contrast to the experience in Komchen, identifying and recruiting ideal PLs in Conkal faced limited support from HCP. It is plausible that individuals who ultimately assumed the role of PLs may have lacked inherent leadership abilities or optimal pre-existing communication skills, which, despite receiving adequate training, could have resulted in a diminished commitment to providing effective and high-quality support to their peers. Reflecting on this, we recognize the crucial need to establish successful mechanisms for PL selection to ensure the recruitment of individuals with innate communication and leadership abilities that can be further enhanced through PL training. PLs should be identified through recommendations and genuine recognition from the community itself.To effectively identify PLs within larger and more urbanized communities, such as Conkal, adopting a sectorization approach is recommended. PLs should be proposed by each sector or neighborhood, as this reinforces a sense of belonging and recognition among natural groups within the community. This approach has been successfully implemented in other interventions (