Great piece from @vandykjoan on the use of community-based health workers in SA& #39;s response to #COVID19
New virus, old wounds: Frontline COVID-19 workers demand better pay https://bhekisisa.org/health-news-south-africa/2020-04-01-new-virus-old-wounds-frontline-covid19-workers-demand-better-pay/">https://bhekisisa.org/health-ne... via @Bhekisisa_MG
New virus, old wounds: Frontline COVID-19 workers demand better pay https://bhekisisa.org/health-news-south-africa/2020-04-01-new-virus-old-wounds-frontline-covid19-workers-demand-better-pay/">https://bhekisisa.org/health-ne... via @Bhekisisa_MG
SA has a long history of using community-based health workers, often referred to as Community Health Workers (CHW), when the going gets tough. Its very clear that these cadre of workers can and do play a vital role in our responses to the health & well-being of communities.
Unfortunately, the SA govt continues to sideline them.
As noted in this piece, it’s often (i)NGOs who get involved & train these workers. Often times (i)NGOs will also manage these programs with (limited) financial support from the state.
As noted in this piece, it’s often (i)NGOs who get involved & train these workers. Often times (i)NGOs will also manage these programs with (limited) financial support from the state.
However, this model time & again proves unsustainable as (i)NGOs & the state respond to newer, “sexier” (whatever that’s supposed to mean) concerns. Skilled workers are then left despondent & frustrated.
I.e. what will happen to the newly skilled tracers after #Covid19? Much to suggest nothing.