Mind the Global Community Health Funding Gap

Abstract

<h3>Key Messages</h3> Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in bridging the huge human resources for health gap while providing both essential health services and pandemic response. The case for investment is strong but funding for this sector is limited and fragmented. The current funding gap for at scale CHW program in sub-Saharan Africa has increased from an estimated US$3.1 billion to US$5.4 billion annually but is still cost effective as the cost per capita remains low (US$1.50–US$13.00). To close this funding gap, political prioritization, supportive policies, programs designed to deliver, and reducing fragmentation of existing resources will be critical. Governments can achieve universal health coverage targets by building community health systems that are people centered and quality oriented. Funders should also take a systems approach and focus their investments toward building resilient and sustainable platforms of delivery.