The role of Village Health Workers and challenges faced in providing primary health care in Mutoko and Mudzi Districts in Zimbabwe

Oliver Gore, Festus Mukanangan

Abstract

Shortage of health staff is a global problem and this is more pronounced in Sub Saharan Africa. Realizing this challenge, World Health Organization recommended the use of Community Health Workers to provide primary health care in these countries with weak health systems and high demand for health services (WHO 2008). This study therefore focused on the role of the Village Health Workers (VHWs) and challenges faced in providing primary health care in Zimbabwe. An exploratory qualitative research study was conducted in two districts using focus group discussions, indepth and key informant interviews, and observations. The study revealed that after undergoing a formal training VHWs performed the following roles; preventative, promotional, surveillance, referral and supportive. Challenges associated with inadequate support of VHWs as a result of limited resources were noted. These challenges however had implications on VHW programme’s efficacy in the country.