Community health worker

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Community health worker

A community health worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities

Community health workers often provide the following services:

• Health education and promotion
• Outreach and enrollment in health insurance programs
• Case management and care coordination
• Advocacy for individual and community needs
• Home visits to provide health services and education
• Screening and referral for health and social services

Training and Certification

The training and certification requirements for CHWs vary by region and country. In some areas, CHWs may receive formal training through community colleges or vocational schools, while in others, they may be trained on the job. Certification may be required in some regions to ensure that CHWs have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively.

Impact on Health Outcomes

Studies have shown that CHWs can have a significant positive impact on health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. They can help reduce health disparities by improving access to care, increasing health knowledge, and promoting healthy behaviors. CHWs have been effective in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, as well as in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Challenges

Despite their important role, CHWs often face challenges such as:

• Lack of stable funding and job security
• Limited opportunities for career advancement
• Inadequate training and support
• High workload and burnout

Global Perspective

The role of CHWs varies globally, with different countries adopting unique models based on their specific health needs and resources. For example, in Ethiopia, the Health Extension Worker program has been successful in improving health outcomes in rural areas. Similarly, in Brazil, the Community Health Agent program is an integral part of the country's primary health care system.

See Also

• Public health
• Primary health care
• Health disparities
• Health promotion
• Preventive healthcare