Community-Based Volunteers Essential to Zambia’s Healthcare System
Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, has highlighted the crucial role Community-Based Volunteers (CBVs) play in Zambia’s healthcare system, calling them the backbone that connects health facilities to the communities in need.
Dr. Muchima’s statement was delivered on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, at a media and stakeholder engagement meeting focusing on Polyvalent Community-Based Volunteers (PCBVs).
CBVs, according to Dr. Muchima, serve as first responders, educators, and advocates, ensuring even the most vulnerable populations have access to essential health services. PCBVs, a specialized group of CBVs, are trained across multiple thematic areas to provide comprehensive, community-centered health services in both rural and urban communities.
“The Integrated Community Health Services Package Training, which spans three weeks, equips PCBVs with the knowledge and skills to empower communities in managing their own health,” Dr. Muchima said. This training enables PCBVs to offer critical healthcare services such as health promotion and disease prevention, alleviating pressure on Zambia’s strained health facilities.
Dr. Muchima also called for increased investment in these volunteers, urging that they be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to improve their efficiency and health outcomes within communities.
UNICEF Representative, Dr. Nejmudin Kedir Bilal, emphasized the importance of strengthening Zambia’s community health workforce, noting that community health workers are pivotal in delivering cost-effective healthcare, especially in remote areas.
He also highlighted the role of the media in supporting community health workers and ensuring access to life-saving services.
Dr. Bilal reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health to enhance community-based healthcare systems in Zambia.
A Polyvalent CBV is a multi-skilled volunteer trained to handle a broad spectrum of tasks, including preventive, promotive, and curative health activities within communities.
