KABUL - Launched a new campaign on National Community Health Workers Day at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Suraya Dalil, Acting Minister of Public Health (MoPH) of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, with WHO stressed how the over 22,000 community health workers in Afghanistan are able to implement the basic and standard medicines. The Minister Dr. Dalil. Addressing the health workers, said she proud…”that I have people like you.” Press release

The launch of an online blog (http://thankyouchw.tumblr.com/), allows people around the world to express their gratitude to Afghanistan’s community health workers. The aim of this awareness raising campaign is to get as many Afghans to share their stories of how these community health workers improved their lives. Also the campaign hopes to recruit new community health workers, by praising their contribution and honoring their importance to the Afghan society.

The Ministry of Public Health envisioned that community-based healthcare programs will actively encourage communities and families to adopt healthy lifestyles and behaviors, and provide families access to high quality and socially acceptable preventative medicine and life-saving services.

After a six-month training course based on a standard curriculum endorsed by the Ministry of Public Health, WHO, international partners and implementing NGOs; a community health worker learns about common health problems, first aid, raising health awareness in the community and making referrals to the nearest health centre.

Nine years ago many parts of rural Afghanistan, harsh weather, inadequate roads and insecurity hampered the regular provision of social services, including health care. These challenges prompted the Ministry of Public Health to expand health-care services through a nationwide network of community-based health workers. Recognizing the critical contribution of community health workers in Afghanistan and encouraging them to continue their voluntary support to their communities is vital for developing health-care culture.