The Global Fund recently conducted a supervision visit to Burkina Faso to assess the implementation of the Building Integrated Readiness for Community Health (BIRCH) project. This initiative, funded by The Global Fund with technical support from Africa Frontline First (AFF) and Last Mile Health, aims to create a framework that equips community health workers (CHWs) with the tools, support, and structure necessary to drive real change.

The mission provided an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, including Living Goods, which collaborates with the Ministry of Health to strengthen community health. Discussions during the visit highlighted the project’s progress, particularly the effective collaboration among the various involved organizations.

One significant innovation in Burkina Faso was the creation of a georeferenced list of Community Health Workers, known as ASBC (Agent de Santé à Base Communautaire). This tool is crucial for enhancing their effectiveness in the field. Establishing and reinforcing the use of a Community Health Worker master list (CHWML) can open up opportunities for building more resilient and sustainable health systems at the community level.

It helps inform accurate financial planning and resource allocation, identifies surge capacity needs during emergencies, supports program design and service delivery, facilitates the quantification and delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensures sufficient resources for campaign-based health interventions such as vaccinations and community mobilization, as well as for worker compensation.

Among the testimonies shared, Ms. Balaissa Sawadogo, a CHW in Ziniaré, emotionally expressed her satisfaction: “Seeing my community in good health is my greatest reward.” Her dedication is further supported by her husband, who readily transports patients to the health center when needed.

With the support of the Global Fund and its partners, the work of CHWs continues to evolve, ensuring better access to healthcare for communities.