What to read after WHO guideline on health policy and system support to optimize community health worker programmes?

Addressing health workforce shortage, maldistribution and performance challenges is essential for progress towards all health-related goals, including universal health coverage. Further, as evidenced by the recommendations of the United Nations High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth, there is increasing recognition of the potential of the health sector to create qualified employment opportunities, in particular for women, contributing to the job creation and economic development agenda. The education and deployment of interprofessional primary care teams of health workers should reflect a diverse and sustainable skills mix; in some contexts this may entail harnessing the potential of community health workers (CHWs) as part of broader efforts to strengthen primary health care and the health workforce more generally.