The Contribution, Competency and Lessons Learned from Community Health Workers During Emergencies in Kigamboni District Tanzania.

Kayombo, Maria Salatiel (2023) The Contribution, Competency and Lessons Learned from Community Health Workers During Emergencies in Kigamboni District Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The contribution of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Tanzania during emer�gency situations is well documented (URT 2004, Keith 2015, WHO 2010, 2019, PO�RALG 2021). However, concerns over their preparedness, competence, availability of resources and the quality-of-care services rendered remain a major public concern. This study sought to assess their contributions specifically, to evaluate their knowledge and skills and to identify lessons learned to strengthen resilience on is�sues related to emergency responses and replicating it elsewhere. Equallyquestion�naire, literature review, structured interviews methods applied in data collection. The study reveals their contributions cannot be underestimated. Above average of re�spondents expressed their appreciation of CHWs work in responding to emergency situations. Also, the findings reveal shortcomings that need intervention including shortage of working tools, financial and material support, low motivation, education and even competence among CHWs. The study is significant since it exposed their challenges experienced and suggest possible solutions including collective action to advocate for change in improving working environment and capacity building. The government in specific need to allocate funds and reduce dependency while community needs to understand and support and their contribution in times of emergency through public awareness programs. Finally, research results revealed gaps that need to be worked upon when it comes to competence and resilience issues despite the good work done by CHWs in supporting government initiatives on health at the community level. Keywords: Community Health Workers, contributions, competency and lesson leant

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