Community health worker (CHW) programmes have received much attention since the 1978 Declaration of Alma-Ata, with many initiatives established in developing countries. However, CHW programmes often suffer high attrition once the initial enthusiasm of volunteers wanes. In 2002, Uganda began implementing a national CHW programme called the village health teams (VHTs), but their … [Read more...] about Selection and performance of village health teams (VHTs) in Uganda: lessons from the natural helper model of health promotion
Country Ownership
Strengthening Primary Health Care through Community Health Workers: Investment Case and Financing Recommendations
Despite the progress some countries have made in scaling up CHW programs, many countries that would benefit from strong CHW cadres currently have only ad hoc, sub-scale programs. This problem extends even to high-income countries that would benefit from CHW programs to provide cost-effective care and battle chronic disease. Countries wishing to scale these programs using a … [Read more...] about Strengthening Primary Health Care through Community Health Workers: Investment Case and Financing Recommendations
Financing CHW Systems at Scale in sub-Saharan Africa: Workshop Report
This report from the One Million Community Health Workers (1mCHW) Campaign on the outcomes from its 2015 workshop, Financing Community Health Worker Systems at Scale in Sub-Saharan Africa, shows that there is a timely opportunity to invest in government-led scale-up of community health worker programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Released today, the report highlights the importance … [Read more...] about Financing CHW Systems at Scale in sub-Saharan Africa: Workshop Report
Strategic partnering to improve community health worker programming and performance: features of a community-health system integrated approach
There is robust evidence that community health workers (CHWs) in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries can improve their clients’ health and well-being. The evidence on proven strategies to enhance and sustain CHW performance at scale, however, is limited. Nevertheless, CHW stakeholders need guidance and new ideas, which can emerge from the recognition that CHWs function at … [Read more...] about Strategic partnering to improve community health worker programming and performance: features of a community-health system integrated approach
Exploring competing experiences and expectations of the revitalized community health worker programme in Mozambique: an equity analysis
Mozambique launched its revitalized community health programme in 2010 in response to inequitable coverage and quality of health services. The programme is focused on health promotion and disease prevention, with 20% of community health workers’ (known in Mozambique as Agentes Polivalentes Elementares (APEs)) time spent on curative services and 80% on activities promoting … [Read more...] about Exploring competing experiences and expectations of the revitalized community health worker programme in Mozambique: an equity analysis