Sep 8, 2022
Examining the gender imbalance in the National Community Health Assistant Program in Liberia: A qualitative analysis of policy and program implementation
The Revised National Community Health Services Policy (2016-2021) (RNCHSP) and its program implementation, the Liberian National Community Health Assistant Program (NCHAP), exhibit a critical gender imbalance among Community Health Assistants (CHAs) as only 17% are women (MOH, 2016). This study was designed to assess the gender responsiveness of the RNCHSP and its program implementation in five counties across Liberia to identify opportunities to improve gender equity. The study found that despite the Government of Liberia’s intention to prioritize women in the recruitment and selection of CHAs, the planning and implementation of the RNCHSP were not gender responsive. The inequitable gender balance of CHAs has impacted the accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of community healthcare services, particularly among women. Strengthening gender responsiveness within the RNCHSP and its program implementation is key to fostering gender equity in the health workforce and strengthening a key pillar of the health system.
