Topics: Community health workers, Country ownership, HIV/AIDS, Program design, Program evaluation

Region and Country: South Africa

This study sought to identify best practices in deployment of community health and care workers (CHWs and CCWs). Studies conducted in each of South Africa’s 9 provinces assessed the extent to which CHW deployment has addressed important health priorities; documented success stories and lessons; and developed an understanding of the range of ways that CHW programs have evolved in the country. The authors conclude that “CHWs are most valuable in expanding health services, mobilizing communities around health & development, rather than replacing professionals.” They present recommendations and lessons learned to support strengthening CHW programs for better practice and to gradually extend the CHW role from a focus on HIV/AIDS/TB to more general primary health care activities.