Authors: Andrew Riley, Hannah Doughty, James Edward Hill, Clarissa Giebel, Matthew Harris & Nefyn H. Williams
This review looked at what helps or prevents community health worker programs from being successfully introduced and integrated into primary healthcare in high-income countries. Looking at 72 studies, mostly from the United States, it found that strong support from health leaders, community partnerships, and dedicated program champions helped CHWs succeed. However, short-term funding, heavy reliance on numbers rather than relationship-building, poor technology systems, and unequal power within healthcare settings created major challenges. The study recommends long-term funding, better training and support, and stronger integration of CHWs into health systems so they can provide lasting support to communities facing health inequalities.
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Resource Topic: CHW programs, health systems
Resource Type: Review
Year: 2026
Region: Global
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Publisher May Restrict Access: No