The Sauri project coordinator Jackline Oluoch, explains that the project has led to the reduction in malaria prevalence, malnutrition and increased the number of immunised children in the targeted communities.
"The project has also facilitated the collection of timely health care data in areas where previously no such data existed," she explains.
According to Gertrudeâs Childrenâs Hospital chief executive officer Gordon Odundo, task shifting is a strategy that can be especially handy in management of paediatric HIV.
Working with the Regional Aids Training Network, the hospital recently completed an advocacy training pilot project calling for greater human resource mobilisation for paediatric HIV.
"There are some basic services currently being provided by nurses and doctors that can safely be delegated to the community workers. ART adherence for example is a big issue in paediatric HIV and community health workers can effectively monitor and enforce adherence," says Odundo.
For CHWs to make an effective contribution there is need for clear guidelines such as the procedures for selection, appropriate training and continuous supervision.
At the moment, most CHW operate as volunteers, with unclear structures on recruitment or compensation for their labour.
WHO argues that there is little evidence showing that volunteerism can be sustained for long periods, especially among community health workers who are poor and require an income.
"Although in many programmes they are expected to spend only a small amount of time on their health-related duties, leaving time for other breadwinning activities, community demand often requires full-time performance," says WHO.
CHW programmes are not a cheap or easy, but they remain a good investment since the alternative in reality is no care at all for the poor living in geographically peripheral areas.
