Study Justification:
– The study addresses the issue of a lack of skilled health providers in low-resource countries, which is a significant barrier to reducing maternal, infant, and under-five mortality.
– It explores the effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) in delivering primary healthcare services as a potential solution to this problem.
– The study aims to determine an appropriate package of CHW services and to avoid overburdening the cadre.
Highlights:
– The study reviews four programs in Rwanda, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Nepal where tasks in delivering health promotion information and distributing commodities were transitioned to CHWs.
– These community-based interventions were implemented alongside facility-based interventions to increase access to basic health services.
– The study identifies commonalities, lessons learned, and factors contributing to the successful implementation of these programs.
– The findings provide practical insights that can be applied in other settings to improve maternal and newborn health services.
Recommendations:
– Based on the study findings, it is recommended to consider integrating CHWs into the healthcare system to address the shortage of skilled health providers.
– A comprehensive approach that combines community-based interventions with facility-based interventions should be adopted to increase access to basic health services.
– Efforts should be made to determine an appropriate package of CHW services that aligns with the local context and healthcare needs.
– Training and capacity building programs should be developed to equip CHWs with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective maternal and newborn health services.
Key Role Players:
– Ministry of Health: Responsible for policy development, coordination, and oversight of the implementation of CHW programs.
– Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Involved in training, supervision, and support of CHWs.
– Community Leaders: Play a crucial role in mobilizing communities and promoting the acceptance and utilization of CHW services.
– Health Facility Staff: Collaborate with CHWs to ensure seamless integration of community-based and facility-based interventions.
Cost Items for Planning Recommendations:
– Training and Capacity Building: Budget for developing training materials, conducting training sessions, and providing ongoing support and supervision to CHWs.
– Salaries and Incentives: Allocate funds for CHW remuneration and incentives to motivate and retain them.
– Supplies and Equipment: Budget for necessary medical supplies, equipment, and logistics to support CHW activities.
– Monitoring and Evaluation: Allocate resources for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of CHW programs.
– Advocacy and Community Engagement: Set aside funds for community mobilization, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts to promote the acceptance and utilization of CHW services.
