This study looks at how community health workers in the U.S. became recognized as a profession. By working together, building networks, and using policy changes, they gained professional status. While this brought new opportunities, it also created limits on how they could work. The study shows that professionalization can also be a way for workers to organize and gain more say … [Read more...] about Worker Organizing in Health Care: Professionalization as a Stage for Collective Voice
professionalization
Professionalisation of Community Health Workers: Time for a Formal Contract
Community health workers (CHWs) are essential for strong primary healthcare but often lack proper support. This study highlights the need for "proCHW" programs, where CHWs are trained, equipped, supervised, paid, and given formal contracts for job security. Formal contracts can ensure fair wages and career growth while protecting CHWs from sudden job loss. Achieving this … [Read more...] about Professionalisation of Community Health Workers: Time for a Formal Contract
Changing power narratives: an exemplar case study on the professionalisation of community health workers in Liberia
Community health workers (CHWs) are vital for health equity, yet most are unpaid and unrecognized as part of the health workforce. This study examines Liberia’s success in creating a nationwide policy to professionalize and pay CHWs. Liberia overcame resistance from funders by showing strong political commitment, uniting government departments, and using evidence focused on CHW … [Read more...] about Changing power narratives: an exemplar case study on the professionalisation of community health workers in Liberia
Achieving Gender Equity in the Community Health Workforce
There is robust and compelling evidence that community health workers play an essential role in delivering life-saving healthcare globally. But women, who make up 70% of this workforce, face significant gender-based challenges including safety concerns, inadequate pay, and limited career advancement. As over 40 countries in Africa have made commitments to professionalize … [Read more...] about Achieving Gender Equity in the Community Health Workforce
Commentary: Sustaining Community Health Workers-The Importance of Professional Self-Governance and Self-Determination
The community health worker (CHW) field in the U.S. has grown significantly, especially in the past 15 years. While this growth has brought more recognition and funding, it has also introduced challenges, such as attempts by various agencies to redefine CHW roles without proper input from CHWs themselves. This commentary stresses the importance of CHWs maintaining control over … [Read more...] about Commentary: Sustaining Community Health Workers-The Importance of Professional Self-Governance and Self-Determination