Background of the Study
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in strengthening healthcare systems, especially in underserved areas. As frontline healthcare providers, they bridge the gap between formal healthcare services and local communities, facilitating the implementation of health policies and programs. In Katsina State, CHWs are involved in maternal and child health, immunization campaigns, disease surveillance, and health education.
The success of various health policies, including the National Primary Healthcare Policy and the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP), depends on effective implementation at the community level. CHWs serve as key stakeholders in this process by ensuring that government health initiatives reach grassroots populations. However, challenges such as inadequate training, lack of incentives, and poor supervision affect their effectiveness in policy implementation.
This study aims to investigate the role of CHWs in policy implementation in Katsina State, assessing their contributions, challenges, and potential for enhancing healthcare delivery.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare through CHWs, gaps remain in policy implementation at the community level. Many health programs fail to achieve their intended outcomes due to inadequate engagement of CHWs, logistical challenges, and insufficient support from policymakers.
In Katsina State, CHWs face obstacles such as poor working conditions, lack of resources, and limited recognition in health policy formulation. If these issues are not addressed, the effectiveness of health policies will be compromised, and healthcare outcomes may not improve significantly.
This study will examine the role of CHWs in policy implementation in Katsina State and propose strategies to enhance their contributions to public health.
Objectives of the Study
To analyze the contributions of CHWs in implementing health policies in Katsina State.
To identify challenges affecting the effectiveness of CHWs in policy implementation.
To recommend strategies for strengthening the role of CHWs in healthcare policy execution.
Research Questions
What are the contributions of CHWs in implementing health policies in Katsina State?
What challenges hinder the effectiveness of CHWs in policy implementation?
What strategies can improve the role of CHWs in healthcare policy execution?
Research Hypotheses
CHWs play a significant role in implementing health policies in Katsina State.
Challenges such as inadequate training and poor supervision hinder CHWs’ effectiveness in policy implementation.
Strengthening training programs and providing better incentives will improve CHWs’ contributions to policy execution.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on CHWs in Katsina State, particularly those working in rural and underserved areas. Data will be collected from CHWs, healthcare administrators, and policymakers. Potential limitations include difficulties in accessing certain remote areas and reluctance from CHWs to disclose challenges due to fear of repercussions.
Definitions of Terms
Community Health Workers (CHWs): Trained health workers who provide primary healthcare services at the community level.
Policy Implementation: The process of putting government health policies into action to achieve desired health outcomes.
Primary Healthcare (PHC): Basic health services provided at the community level to ensure disease prevention and treatment.
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