Authors: Robinson Karuga, Marjolein Dieleman, Patrick Mbindyo, Kim Ozano, Judy Wairiuko, Jacqueline E.W. Broerse, and Maryse Kok
This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of community health committee (CHC)-related policies in Kenya. A qualitative study design was utilized to extract data from policy documents, and key informant interviews were conducted with health workers and health managers in two counties (rural and urban) and with the national Ministry of Health. Results uncovered that since the inception of the community health strategy, the roles of CHCs in community participation have been consistently vague. An inadequate understanding of the roles of CHCs was demonstrated partly because policy content was not adequately disseminated at the primary healthcare level. In addition, a trend emerged that actors involved in organizing and providing community health services did not perceive CHCs as valuable mechanisms for community participation. These findings suggest a need for community health policies and related bills to clearly define the roles of CHCs. Authors also recommend county governments to promote the implementation of CHC policies by including them in the agenda during annual health sector performance reviews.
Link: Community participation in the health system: analyzing the implementation of community health committee policies in Kenya
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Resource Topic: Community health committee (CHC), Community participation, Policy
Resource Type: Research
Year: 2023
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Kenya
Publisher May Restrict Access: No
