The launch of the Primary Health Care Strategic Framework 2019-2024 detailed the government’s plan to ensure access to quality and affordable health care to all. It is in this framework that the role of community health workers has been recognized to be critical in provision of primary health care services, disease presentation, and health campaigns to support the health system.
Importance of Community Health Volunteers
Community health workers are the first in-line health care workers that the public engages with especially in the rural and semi-urban areas. CHVs are trained to provide a range of health services that include immunization, prenatal care health education, and treatment of common ailments.
That CHWs come from the communities they serve has made it easier for them to identify the unique needs of their communities to provide tailor-made solutions considering their cultural beliefs and values.
CHVs understand the geographical areas from where they operate and thus are able to get to the most remote and often ignored areas of the county and deliver health services.
Because of the trust built by the fact that they are from the same community, CHWs can be relied upon to collect data and findings that inform the kind of services to be offered to specific communities. CHWs also are best placed to monitor the overall community’s health and alert relevant officers in case of outbreaks.
Impact of CHW in Healthcare
- Closed the gap between vulnerable populations and healthcare workers
- Improved accessibility to primary health care
- Decreased infant and maternal mortality and overall morbidity
- Improved overall public health in communities
- Improved public knowledge on health issues and interventions such as vaccines
Challenges faced by CHW
While the government has made effort to recognize the place and importance of community health workers in the management of health care, a lot still needs to be done. Some of the challenges CHWs face include:
- Poor compensation for their services
- Lack of adequate kits to fulfill their duties
- Capacity building and training in incorporating technology especially in data collection and record keeping
Conclusion
The place of community health workers and promoters in the healthcare system cannot be played down. Their help in navigating healthcare and social services in the grassroots cannot be underscored. They are the unsung heroes who are actively effecting change in how health care is perceived and accessed by the majority population who for a long time have managed by themselves.
Besides recognizing their place and compensating their effort fairly, there is need to further equip them and avail resources that will not only help them achieve their goals better but make their impact measurable and sustainable.
