An intervention package for supporting the mental well-being of community health workers in low, and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Kenneth Yakubu, David Musoke, Kingsley Chikaphupha, Alyssa Chase-Vilchez, Pallab K Maulik, Rohina Joshi

In this study, researchers organized a Zoom workshop to discuss and support the mental health of CHWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHWs were invited from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In total, 27 people participated. Participants identified the importance of creating a hub, either virtual or physical, where mental health activities are coordinated. Additionally, CHWs emphasized the need for training programs to teach health workers how to protect their own mental health. Overall, this study highlighted an often overlooked need of CHWs, which supports the case for global expansion of CHW-targeted mental health initiatives.