Community Health Worker Incentives and Disincentives: How They Affect Motivation, Retention, and Sustainability

Authors: Karabi Bhattacharyya, Peter Winch, Karen LeBan, and Marie Tien

This paper examines various incentives used to motivate and retain community health workers, particularly those working in child health and nutrition programs in developing countries. Drawing from case studies in Afghanistan, El Salvador, Honduras and Madagascar, the authors recommend a more systematic use of multiple incentives based on an understanding of the different functions of the various incentives. It also emphasizes the importance of the CHW-community relationship.

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Resource Topic: Community Health Workers/Volunteers, Community Involvement, Motivation/incentives, Recruitment and Retention, Sustainability

Resource Type: Issue papers, Research

Year: 2001

Region: Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Country: Afghanistan, El Salvador, Honduras, Madagascar