CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

health systems

The potential of a “next generation” of community health workers to accelerate progress in reaching Universal Health Coverage and Health for All

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This article highlights how well-supported community health workers (CHWs) can help countries improve access to healthcare and achieve Universal Health Coverage. It argues that CHWs should be a key part of primary healthcare, with proper training, fair pay, equipment, supervision, and support to visit households regularly and provide essential health services. The authors … [Read more...] about The potential of a “next generation” of community health workers to accelerate progress in reaching Universal Health Coverage and Health for All

Examining Differences in Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Based on Organizational Experience With CHWs: A Call for CHW Workforce Sustainability

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This study examined whether organisations with established community health worker (CHW) programmes were better prepared to respond to public health emergencies than those that were still developing their programmes. Using data from 67 organisations involved in the United States’ COVID-19 response initiative (2021–2024), the study found that organisations with existing CHW … [Read more...] about Examining Differences in Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Based on Organizational Experience With CHWs: A Call for CHW Workforce Sustainability

“Invest in Us!” Exploring the Well-Being and Sustainability of the Community Health Worker Workforce

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This study explored what helps community health workers (CHWs) keep their jobs and remain part of organisations over the long term, based on 27 interviews with CHWs, programme staff and partners involved in a US COVID-19 response initiative. It found that organisations differed in how well they understood and used CHWs’ skills, while supportive leaders, clear workplace policies … [Read more...] about “Invest in Us!” Exploring the Well-Being and Sustainability of the Community Health Worker Workforce

Key Elements of a Community-Engaged Approach to Evaluating a Nationwide Community Health Worker Program

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This study describes how a nationwide community health worker programme in the United States was evaluated between 2021 and 2024, with CHWs actively involved in leading the process. The approach helped assess the programme while ensuring that the experiences of CHWs and the communities they serve were considered. However, limited time, funding, staffing and differences in how … [Read more...] about Key Elements of a Community-Engaged Approach to Evaluating a Nationwide Community Health Worker Program

Involving Community Health Workers as Evaluation Leaders in a National Community Health Worker Initiative

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This study examined how Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped evaluate a US initiative that supported communities during COVID-19 and prepared them for future health emergencies. CHWs took leadership roles in assessing the programme, helping ensure that the findings reflected the real needs and experiences of the communities they served. Although time constraints were a … [Read more...] about Involving Community Health Workers as Evaluation Leaders in a National Community Health Worker Initiative