The Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), in collaboration with the Health and Public Service Network of Africa (HaPSNA), convened a high-level consultative meeting in Kigali from June 2 to 3, aimed at advancing the integration of certified Community Health Workers (CHWs) into national civil service systems.
The two-day event brought together senior government officials, health sector leaders, and development partners from HeDPAC priority countries to discuss practical and sustainable strategies for formalizing CHWs’ roles within public health infrastructures.
Representing Liberia’s Ministry of Health were Hon. Martha C. Morris, Deputy Minister for Administration, and Dr. Wiyata Tamara Diggs, Director of Community Health Services. Both officials underscored the critical role CHWs play in delivering frontline healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
“The time has come for us to move beyond pilot programs and short-term contracts,” said Hon. Morris. “We must secure the future of CHWs by integrating them into national systems with fair pay, career development, and recognition.”
Key discussions focused on long-term financing, standardized training, and policy frameworks to support the professionalization and retention of CHWs across participating countries. Attendees also shared experiences and lessons learned from their respective health systems.
Organizers say the outcomes of the meeting will feed into broader policy reform efforts and regional health strategies. HeDPAC and HaPSNA plan to release a joint report later this year summarizing the meeting’s findings and policy recommendations.
