Community Health Workers
Supporting Community Health Workers
World Vision engages in a broad range of community health initiatives globally, many of which are driven by community health workers (CHWs). CHWs are trained community members who provide essential health services but do not hold formal professional health qualifications.
While the roles and structures of CHWs vary across countries and programmes, certain core principles help ensure that CHW-led projects are effective, sustainable, and delivered with quality – regardless of the specific model used. By investing in community health workforces, World Vision contributes to stronger, more resilient health systems – empowering communities to thrive.
Strengthening systems through partnership and sustainable community health workforces
World Vision’s CHW programmes are designed to complement and strengthen existing health systems. Through strong, long-term partnerships – particularly with Ministries of Health – we work to ensure high-quality implementation, training, and support. Our goal is to equip CHWs to form sustainable, functional, and effective community health workforces that can deliver meaningful, long-term impact.
Programme approach
World Vision’s CHW model offers field offices the flexibility to collaborate with national and local health authorities in ways that are contextually appropriate and aligned with government priorities. This adaptable approach enables CHWs to deliver a broad range of essential services to individuals and households – provided they demonstrate sustainable impact at scale.
The services supported by World Vision vary by country and are informed by local epidemiology and the underlying determinants of child health, nutrition, and well-being. By tailoring interventions to each context, we help ensure that CHW programmes remain relevant, impactful, and responsive to community needs.
Resources
Networks and Working Groups
Contact
For more information, please contact World Vision experts on Community Health Worker programming:
Michele Gaudrault and Esther Indriani at health@wvi.org
