In the heart of Africa’s transformation story lies a radical proposition: what if curing community health systems could also cure unemployment? 

On July 3, 2025, global leaders gathered virtually to explore this very question, diving deep into how community health work can serve as both medicine and economic engine. 

Picture this, 2 million young Africans, equipped with digital tools and healthcare knowledge, walking into underserved communities not as visitors, but as catalysts of change. Beyond service delivery, they are also a powerful economic force, towards delivering quality jobs, empowering women and youth, and strengthening community resilience. 

The webinar brought together voices from across the continent and beyond, from UNICEF’s Ann Robin and Fauzia Shafique, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Sartie Keneth, Africa CDC’s Dr. Laundry Tsague, World Bank’s Maud Juquois Equity Group Foundation’s Dr. Joanne R. Korir, CHAI’s Attila Yaman and Living Goods’ Edward Zzimbe. Their message was clear, community health isn’t just about medicine. Its about creating pathways to prosperity. 

Health Jobs as Engines of Opportunity 

When a young person becomes a CHW, something remarkable happens. They don’t just deliver healthcare, they become economic multipliers. Every trained, fairly compensated CHW strengthens household income, builds community resilience, and creates ripple effects that extend far beyond their immediate reach. 

This is all about recognizing that health jobs are engines of opportunity, particularly for women and youth who have historically been locked out of formal employment. However, challenges such as sustainable financing, coordination gaps, and insufficient career pathways remain.  

The Blueprint for change 

The path forward isn’t difficult. Leaders highlighted four practical solutions to address these barriers and turn potential into progress. 

Government is a catalyst, creating an enabling environment where public-private partnerships can thrive. When governments lead, magic happens! 

Professionalizing CHWs turning their roles from temporary into respected careers with clear advancement paths, robust training and genuine recognition, can maximize both social and economic returns. 

Multi-sectoral collaboration breaking down silos between ministries and stakeholders to secure sustainable funding and scale effective primary healthcare. 

Targeted empowerment focusing on women and youth understanding that their economic empowerment creates generational ripple effect of positive change. Investing in community health generates high returns in both GDP growth and child development. 

Success stories in action 

Living Goods demonstrated how digital tools and data-driven supervision can transform scattered efforts into scalable systems. The approach, partner with governments, empower CHWs with technology, and measure impact relentlessly. 

Equity Group Foundation, illustrated entrepreneurial health through its Equity Afia medical centers, proving that affordability and quality aren’t mutually exclusive. They have cracked the code of making healthcare both accessible and economically sustainable. 

The bottom line is that Africa’s youth don’t need to choose between meaningful work and economic opportunity. In community health, they can have both. And when they do, everyone wins. Patients get better care, communities grow stronger, and young people build the careers they deserve.