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Kenya’s Community Health Volunteer Program

Kenya’s Community Health Volunteer Program

August 28, 2020 By Sahar Hossain 46 Comments

By: Rose Njiraini and Salim Hussein

Kenya’s Community Health Strategy aims to provide basic prevention and care services. Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) make home visits and deliver health promotion messages, treat common ailments and illnesses, and establish protocols for Community-Based Maternal and Newborn Health, among others. CHVs are supervised by Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and operate within Community Health Units encompassing about 5,000 Kenyan citizens. The areas that have an active community health program have demonstrated improvements in antenatal care visits, testing and treatment for diseases like HIV and malaria, and child immunizations.

Background
The Kenyan Community Health Strategy was launched in 2006 as a means of delivering basic health prevention and promotion services. A new Community Health Policy is expected to be released in 2020.

Implementation
Kenya’s community-based health workers are called Community Health Volunteers (CHVs). CHVs deliver services in a defined geographical area location called a Community Health Unit. These Community Health Units are composed of approximately 5,000 people (or 1,000 households) and are served by approximately 10 CHVs. CHVs are supervised by Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), who are government employees mandated to provide health services at the household and community levels and make referrals and linkages to health facilities. As of end of 2019, Kenya had approximately 6,000 Community Health Units out of an expected 10,000. These Community Health Units are supported by 86,000 CHVs. CHVs are supported by 1,569 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs).

Roles/responsibilities
The main duties of CHVs are to (1) make visit homes, initiate dialogue with household members, determine the health situation, deliver key health messages, and undertake necessary actions; (2) guide the community on health improvement and disease prevention; (3) register households at frequencies stipulated in current guidelines; (4) treat common ailments and minor injuries; and (5) with support and guidance from CHEWs, implement protocols for Community-Based Maternal and Newborn Health and Integrated Community Case Management of Childhood Illness.

Training
Trainings for CHVs are based on a curriculum with 13 modules. The full curriculum takes approximately three months and consists of 324 facilitator-led contact hours in a classroom setting and 160 hours of practical experience.1

Supervision
Each CHV should receive supportive supervision monthly from a CHEW, at either the health facility or in the community. The supervision consists of training, review of reports, and household visits with a CHEW. CHEWs follow a checklist to ensure quality supervision.

Incentives and remuneration
At the end of 2018, 14 out of 47 of Kenya’s counties were paying monthly incentives to CHVs out of their own budget. The amounts varied from county to county but are in the range of US$ 20 – 60 a month.

Impact
Kenya’s community health program has led to improvements in key health indicators. Geographic areas that implement community health services have had better health indicators than those that do not. Uptake of community health services contributed significantly to improvements in antenatal care visits, deliveries by skilled birth attendants, testing for HIV during pregnancy, receipt of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, and childhood immunization coverage.

Author Affiliations

  • Rose Njiraini is a Community Health Specialist at the UNICEF Kenya Country Office.
  • Salim Hussein is the Head of the Department of Primary Healthcare Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Read more
Health for the People:​ National Community Health Worker Programs from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe

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Filed Under: News Tagged With: #CHW, #HenryPerryCaseStudies2020, #UHC

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JOEL KAISHAH says

    November 24, 2020 at 1:09 pm

    Am happy to be a CHV (COMMUNITY HEALTH VOLUNTEER) in NAIROBIS KAWANGWARE AREA…I have enjoyed this article and hope to learn more for subscribing.Thankyou and GODS blessings

    Reply
    • ianmegan says

      May 4, 2021 at 3:50 pm

      how did you enrol

      Reply
  2. Timothy Khayumbi says

    November 28, 2020 at 10:44 am

    I’m a private practitioner in a community setup.Kindly advise on how we can engage our staff in this program to serve our community better.

    Reply
  3. Milliam says

    February 19, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    Am happy to be a CHV in mbayo 2 villange meru.I enjoy the work.God bless

    Reply
    • Peter kamau mbugua says

      March 27, 2022 at 6:34 am

      Looking forward to working with you. Chv from limuru central ward. Kiambu

      Reply
    • Anita Chumo says

      September 29, 2023 at 3:52 am

      How did you enrol

      Reply
  4. HASSAN ODHIAMBO says

    April 19, 2021 at 9:17 am

    Am Hassan Odhiambo
    Happy to be a CHV in Siaya, my passion is saving lives

    Reply
  5. Cypriano Mukaria says

    May 28, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    I’m Cypriano, happy to be aCHV in Laikipia, Ndindika/Kinamba Unit. It’s really an amazing grace.

    Reply
  6. Lucy Njoki Kamau says

    September 14, 2021 at 6:02 am

    I am Lucy kamau a CHV at mutuini am very proud at initiating dialogue with my household members

    Reply
  7. Patricia says

    September 16, 2021 at 5:27 am

    Am happy serving my community as a Chv in Njiru

    Reply
    • Ruto Julius says

      May 6, 2023 at 7:06 pm

      Am happy to be chv at Bomet county

      Reply
  8. Stephen Kamau Turuga says

    September 26, 2021 at 10:13 am

    I would like to request for enrollment in the CHV Program anywhere in Kiambu West.
    How do i apply?

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      September 27, 2021 at 1:56 am

      Thanks for your question. We recommend checking with your district health office.

      Reply
  9. gil says

    November 1, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    hello, how does one become a CHW volunteer or how can one enroll

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      November 11, 2021 at 9:57 pm

      In Kenya, there are several options. There is a national Community Health Extension Worker program implemented by the Ministry of Health. In other cases, local NGOs hire and training CHWs for specific services. Check with your local health facility or council health department, they should be able to let you know where you learn of opportunities.

      Reply
      • Anita Chumo says

        September 29, 2023 at 4:15 am

        I want yo be a CHV

        Reply
  10. Caleb says

    November 16, 2021 at 2:44 pm

    Happy to be one of the community Health Volunteers. Service to humanity is service to God.

    Reply
  11. Peter Karanja says

    June 2, 2022 at 9:07 am

    Am a student at murang’a university of technology pursuing degree bachelor of science in community health. This article is very helpful and I enjoyed getting information from it

    Reply
  12. Monica kariuki says

    June 15, 2022 at 11:51 am

    Am Monica kariuki a CHV since 2018 in kiambu but without pay. I love this service to the community. Am requesting to be empowered with more skill and trainings for better performance. If I can get a scholarship to learn more it my joy.

    Reply
  13. Pennina Nthiwa says

    August 26, 2022 at 6:22 pm

    Am pennina Nthiwa from NAIROBI, a community health worker linked to Dandora 1 health facility I have enjoyed the article and looking forward to get more trainings for Chw.

    Reply
  14. Pennina Nthiwa says

    August 28, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    Am pennina Nthiwa from NAIROBI KENYA am happy to be a CHW in for serving my community voluntarily I pray very soon to be considered by MOH and get more trainings.

    Reply
  15. Gakura Joseph says

    November 28, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    I am a c h v in Muranga county and our new government has said it doesn’t recognize the c h vs regarding them as ghost workers. Imagine from 2006 we have been doing our role as volunteer and now we have no use since after election

    Reply
  16. HEZRON says

    December 7, 2022 at 2:25 pm

    I am Hezron Ngesa from Nairobi county, Embakasi East, lower Savannah, Bahati B unit. I love working and helping my community.

    Reply
  17. Kiprotich Sammy says

    December 9, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    Iam a chv and I enjoy serving my community, from kericho county road

    Reply
  18. Jane says

    January 28, 2023 at 6:29 pm

    My name is Jane. I have a certificate in community health programs from Harvard. How can I join?

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      February 5, 2023 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Jane, what are you looking to join? For CHW Central, you can simply subscribe to our newsletter and read the latest news, features and events on our website. If you’re looking to become a CHW, you can usually find training by visiting your local health department’s website or, if you’re in the US, visit the NACHW website or that of the network or association in the state in which you reside.

      Reply
      • Jane says

        May 28, 2023 at 5:05 pm

        Am in Kenya and I want to train as a community health volunteer.

        Reply
  19. Jane kyalo says

    May 28, 2023 at 5:02 pm

    Hallo am Jane kyalo and interested in community health volunteers job,how can I get the training?

    Reply
  20. Jane says

    June 2, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    my name is Jane I have loved your article. I am in Nakuru Elmentaita, I’m a psychological counselor by profession would like to serve my community as a chv how do I go about it.

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      June 14, 2023 at 12:50 am

      Hi Jane,
      Contact your county health department. They should be able to tell you where to access available CHEW training or which local NGOs are training volunteers.

      Reply
  21. Cheruiyot arap Mutai says

    June 18, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    Cheruiyot arap Mutai from Bomet county work with Chvs TEMBWO cu and we request your support to our community unit.

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      January 8, 2024 at 4:04 pm

      Hi Cheruiyot, thank you for visiting CHW Central. We do not directly deploy CHWs in any country. Please check with your county health management team as they should be able to respond.

      Reply
  22. Eunice chebet says

    August 14, 2023 at 7:24 pm

    Hi,am Eunice from uasin_gishu,would love to be a chv, my passion is serving my community and saving lifes, how can I

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      January 5, 2024 at 4:39 pm

      Hi Eunice, thanks for visiting CHW Central. I encourage you to visit your county health department.

      Reply
  23. Elijah Mutuku says

    September 27, 2023 at 11:10 am

    What are the general requirements for one to be a volunteer

    Reply
  24. Joyce Wanjiku says

    December 11, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    How do I join CHW Traninings. I am very much intrested. Thank you

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      January 5, 2024 at 12:38 pm

      Hi Joyce, check with your local County Health Department or your local health facility. They should be able to tell you.

      Reply
  25. Rehema Nyembwe says

    February 13, 2024 at 10:54 am

    I have a Certificate in Community Health ….. How do I volunteer?

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      June 13, 2024 at 7:22 pm

      Hi Rehema, thank you for visiting CHW Central and for your dedication to serving communities. Opportunities for community health work vary from country to country and district to district. We recommend you reach out to the local district health office. Some CHWs are supported by governments and others by NGOs, they may be able to tell you what options are available in your area.

      Reply
    • CHW Central says

      June 17, 2024 at 6:26 am

      Hi Rehema, please contact your ward Community Health Assistant (CHA) and/or Community Health Promoters (CHPs) within your locality, and they will guide you more. Some CHWs are supported by government and others by NGOs, they may be able to tell you of the available options in your area.

      Reply
  26. Martha Njuguna says

    February 21, 2024 at 4:19 am

    How do I join chw training am very interested

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      June 13, 2024 at 7:20 pm

      Hi Martha, thanks for visiting CHW Central and for your interest in community health work. Accessing CHW training varies from country to country. We recommend reaching out to your local district health office or a local clinic and asking them about CHW opportunities.

      Reply
    • CHW Central says

      June 17, 2024 at 6:33 am

      Hi Martha, please contact your ward Community Health Assistant (CHA) and/or Community Health Promoters (CHPs) within your locality, and they will guide you more. Some CHWs are supported by government and others by NGOs, they may be able to tell you of the available options in your area.

      Reply
  27. Rachel says

    April 18, 2024 at 1:36 pm

    Hi am Rachel Munyao from. Nairobi (mathare) a trained first aider and a health and safety person. I would wish to work with you to help my community with the little knowledge I have

    Reply
    • chwadmin says

      June 13, 2024 at 7:25 pm

      Hi Rachel,

      CHW Central is an online knowledge resources, we don’t employ CHWs, but advocate for them. We recommend you reach out to your council or ward health management team, a local NGO clinic and/or other local CHWs to learn more about opportunities in your areas.

      Reply
    • CHW Central says

      June 17, 2024 at 6:38 am

      Hi Rachel, Thank you for visiting CHW Central.

      We do not employ CHWs, but advocates for them. We recommend that you contact your ward Community Health Assistant (CHA) and/or Community Health Promoters (CHPs) within your locality, and they will guide you more. Some CHWs are supported by government and others by NGOs, they may be able to tell you of the available options in your area.

      Reply

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