Community Health Worker programmes’ integration into national health systems: Scoping review

Strengthening community health worker program in Belize

“…17 A scoping review on CHW programmes 'integration into national health systems noted that although some similarities were observed, evidence of integration on most CHW programme components varied across countries depending on respective health system. 18 This is determined by the extent to which the ministry of health has policies in place that integrate and include CHWs in health system planning and budgeting to support and sustain CHW programs at district, regional and national levels. 19,20 The gains from integration depend, however, on the strength of the health system supporting the CHW.…”

Explanatory models of mental health : a qualitative study among East-African migrants and Belgian healthcare professionals

“…Community healthcare workers, for instance, can bridge a gap between vulnerable (migrant) communities and the healthcare system. The integration of community health workers into national healthcare systems has demonstrated its potential to enhance service accessibility, mitigate health disparities, and enhance health outcomes (Mupara et al 2022;Scott et al 2018). Because the community health workers are trusted community members, they play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the healthcare system and underserved populations, fostering better healthcare delivery (Capotescu et al 2022;Mupara et al 2022).…”

“…The integration of community health workers into national healthcare systems has demonstrated its potential to enhance service accessibility, mitigate health disparities, and enhance health outcomes (Mupara et al 2022;Scott et al 2018). Because the community health workers are trusted community members, they play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the healthcare system and underserved populations, fostering better healthcare delivery (Capotescu et al 2022;Mupara et al 2022). In addition, the involvement of community and religious leaders in mental healthcare programs can build trust and support to improve access to mental health services and facilitate effective mental healthcare practice (Fauk et al 2022).…”