Use of community health workers to manage and prevent noncommunicable diseases: policy options based on the findings of the COACH study
Overview
As burden of NCDs increases, new and innovative modes of managing them in primary healthcare and community settings are being investigated by various countries. APO, in conjunction with Duke Kunshan University in China, undertook a 4-country study involving Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Viet Nam to investigate different approaches used in involving Community health workers in both preventing and managing NCDs. The findings from the study, labelled “ COmbating noncommunicable diseases in Asia by engaging Community Health workers in the management and prevention efforts: strategies, approaches and practice (COACH study)” were supplemented with literature search on the topic before various policy options were derived.
The policy Brief identifies 3 broad areas where focus would lead to best results:
- A multisectoral approach to combatting NCDs and the risk factors are essential. The function of CHWs should be seen through this multisectoral approach.
- CHWs, if trained appropriately, should be empowered to deliver NCD related services
- Closely linking CHWs with the Primary Health Care system, would allow improvement in both systems.