Community health workers are trusted members of the health system who help people improve their health, change behaviors, and access services like food, transport, and care. They play a key role in supporting people with chronic diseases and addressing social challenges that affect health. Examples from health programs show that when community health workers are involved, … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers Play an Important Role in Improving Health
Policy
WHO guideline on health policy and system support to optimize community health worker programmes
This WHO guideline explains how to better support and use community health workers to strengthen health systems and improve access to care. It highlights that health worker shortages and uneven support for CHWs are major challenges, and that well-planned programs can help address these gaps. The guide stresses the need to understand community needs, properly train and support … [Read more...] about WHO guideline on health policy and system support to optimize community health worker programmes
Integrating community health workers into health systems: a step-by-step policy implementation guide
This guide explains how to bring community health workers into the health system in a clear and organized way. It walks decision-makers through key steps like understanding the current situation, involving the right people, setting goals, planning how to manage and fund the program, designing it to work in different situations, and tracking progress. The aim is to help … [Read more...] about Integrating community health workers into health systems: a step-by-step policy implementation guide
Africa Community Health Programme | Continental Landscape Survey Report 2024/5
Community health systems are important for improving health care access across Africa, especially for people in remote and underserved areas. Community health workers play a key role by providing essential services and responding to health emergencies. In 2024, Africa CDC and UNICEF carried out a continent-wide survey to understand the current state of community health systems, … [Read more...] about Africa Community Health Programme | Continental Landscape Survey Report 2024/5
It’s Time to Prioritize CHWs: A Decade of Economic Evaluation Evidence Suggests CHWs are More Cost-Effective Than Alternatives
This study reviewed 130 papers to see if community health workers (CHWs) provide good value for money in health programs. It found that CHW programs are cost-effective in most cases, especially when they are well-trained, supported, and linked to health facilities. Programs that combine CHWs with digital tools or cover several health areas work better than those focused on one … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Prioritize CHWs: A Decade of Economic Evaluation Evidence Suggests CHWs are More Cost-Effective Than Alternatives