Challenges Facing Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Provision of Health Services in Assiut Governorate

WHO consider "Community health workers should be members of the communities where they work, should be selected by the communities, should be answerable to the communities' needs and priorities, should be supported by the health system but not necessarily a part of the government and have shorter training than professional health workforce".

CHWs aims to provide appropriate, accessible care and bring care closer to mothers and babies, bridging the service delivery gap in underserved communities.

CHWs can effectively provide key primary, maternal, and newborn health care services including immunizations, tuberculosis treatment and contraceptive counseling.

CHWs face several challenges in reaching their full potential. Many of the obstacle's stem from a lack of understanding about their role within primary health system.

CHWs are faced by community and familial expectations of selflessness, equitably applied care, maintaining domestic responsibilities at home and implied understanding that extra work did not amount to extra pay.