“Community health workers are the antidote to the ignorance of the expert.” - Daniel Palazuelos On November 5, 2022, members of CHW Central attended the American Public Health Association’s Community-based Primary Health Care, or CBPHC, workshop in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The workshop, “Community Health Workers at the Dawn of a New Era,” featured a keynote … [Read more...] about “Community Health Workers at the Dawn of a New Era:” a Reflection for the Future
Political Prioritization for Community Health Systems Strengthening: A Case of Nairobi Metropolitan Services Health Directorate, Kenya
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) recognizes that for the Directorate of Health to be impactful and achieve its universal health coverage, primary health care, and sustainable development goals by 2030, the Directorate cannot undermine the contribution of the community health workforce. Institutionalizing community health services in Nairobi County was a journey of … [Read more...] about Political Prioritization for Community Health Systems Strengthening: A Case of Nairobi Metropolitan Services Health Directorate, Kenya
Role of community health volunteers in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal functioning of healthcare systems, compelling governments worldwide to develop innovative and strategic ways of combating the disease and ensuring that the healthcare systems, which were already facing a shortage of health workers and supplies, were not overwhelmed. As governments initiated a multi-sectoral approach to the fight … [Read more...] about Role of community health volunteers in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
A story of Euridice Njagi, a community health volunteer from Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
“Serving my community is the most fulfilling work I have done so far. It comes with challenges, especially in my area due to the shortage of community health volunteers. Still, we are managing well so far,” says Euridice Njagi, a community health worker (CHV) in Gatua Community Health Unit, Tharaka Nithi County. Euridice covers 324 households instead of the … [Read more...] about A story of Euridice Njagi, a community health volunteer from Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Kenya’s Makueni County to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector and faith-based organizations in the provision of community health services
Kenya developed its first primary health care approach in 1980, but it was primarily focused on secondary care with minimal focus on community-level participation. An evaluation of the Kenya Health Policy Framework in 2004 showed an overall decline in health-related indicators despite increased funding to the health sector. This led to the development of the community health … [Read more...] about Kenya’s Makueni County to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector and faith-based organizations in the provision of community health services