REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH SERVICES POLICY, STRATEGY and COSTED ACTION PLAN (NCBHPS) - REPEAT

1. BACKGROUND

Community health is gaining prominence in Lesotho and many other countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. At the core is the provision of primary health care services to rural and urban communities with full participation and ownership by the community. Community health is a critical component of Public Health, of which the main objective is to promote health and prevent diseases within families and at the community level, ensuring universal access to primary health care as close as possible to the population. The role of community health workers (CHW) should therefore be integrated into general health systems and closely linked to existent community structures to promote quality health service delivery. Globally, community health is a critical contributor towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); in particular, SDG 3 on universal health coverage, alongside the attainment of other SDGs, including eradication of hunger, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequities, and partnerships.

Therefore, achieving these goals demands comprehensive approaches that focus on building a strong and responsive community health system. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines regarding policies and systems support to community health workers. The guidelines emphasize three key areas for the management and operation of CHW programs: (a) Selection, training, and certification of CHWs. (b) Management and supervision of CHWs including supportive supervision, appropriate remuneration or incentives, clear agreement on roles and responsibilities, and establishment of career progression. (c) Integration into the formal health system and local communities, ensuring the provision of adequate commodities and consumables for CHW usage.