A Situation Assessment of Community Health Workers’ Preparedness in Supporting Health System Response to COVID-19 in Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda

Authors: Rehema Chengo, Tammary Esho, Shiphrah Kuria, Samuel Kimani, Dorcas Indalo, Lilian Kamanzi, Bachir Mouhamed, Andrew Wabwire, Khaltoume Camara, Tonny Kapsandui, Patrick Kagurusi, Maureen Nankanja, Gorge Oele, and Joachim Osur

This mixed methods study sought to assess the preparedness of CHWs in Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda in supporting COVID-19 prevention and management efforts. Researchers conducted key informant interviews with 16 policy actors and 24 health care workers. Additionally, researchers performed in-depth interviews with 14 CHWs and conducted 312 surveys with community members. Health care workers and CHWs were prompted about training, support, roles, and responsibilities. Community members were asked about interactions with CHWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. After analysis, researchers found that community members had increased interactions with CHWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including through health education services, social support, and personal protective equipment distribution. CHWs and health care workers, however, faced many challenges during the pandemic, including a lack of equipment, training, and payment. Future approaches to managing and preventing COVID-19 and other communicable diseases should therefore focus on increasing the resources, support, and training provided to essential frontline responders like CHWs.