Developing and Strengthening Community Health Worker Programs at Scale: A Reference Guide for Program Managers and Policy Makers

Publish Date: May 2014
Author: MCHIP
Language: English

This document is an in-depth review of issues and questions that should be considered when addressing key issues relevant for large-scale CHW programs. Rather than being an instructional manual, the Reference Guide is meant to provide a framework for those in leadership positions in-country as they consider how to develop, expand and strengthen their CHW program. It was developed in parallel with the URC/Project ASSIST CHW Decision-Making Support Tool, which is also in the process of being released.

The Reference Guide has many practical examples from CHW programs around the world. The contents are in four sections and contain a total of 16 chapters covering such topics as a history of CHW programs, planning, governance and financing; roles and tasks, recruitment, training, supervision, motivation and incentives, relations with the community and health systems, scaling up, and measurement and data use. There is an appendix containing (1) case studies from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; (2) a summary of perspectives on large-scale CHW programs from key informants; and (3) important resources.