PSI Backs Registration of Community Health Workers Association in Zambia

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — Nearly 1,000 community health workers across Zambia have mobilised in support of the registration of the Community Health Workers Association of Zambia, in what stakeholders describe as a significant step toward strengthening the country’s health system and improving working conditions for frontline health workers.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of PSI affiliates in Zambia with support from Public Services International (PSI), a global federation representing public service workers worldwide.

Community health workers play a vital role in Zambia’s primary healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health, disease prevention, and community-based care services.

Despite their contribution, many continue to work under informal or semi-formal arrangements with low or irregular stipends, limited job security, and restricted access to training and resources.

Stakeholders say the formation and registration of the Community Health Workers Association of Zambia would help strengthen representation, improve dialogue within the health sector, and promote better working conditions.

Speaking on the development, Interim President Ndimba Cyprian Moonga said the association reflects the commitment of community health workers to contribute more effectively to the country’s healthcare system.

Mr. Moonga said official registration would allow community health workers to engage constructively with stakeholders while supporting national health priorities.

Meanwhile, National Coordination Committee (NCC) Mr. Charles Malema, who chairs the NCC and is also a leader of the Zambia National Union of Health and Allied Workers, said recognising the association presents an opportunity to strengthen social dialogue and workforce governance in the health sector.

Mr. Malema added that supporting community health workers is key to building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.

PSI and its affiliates are also planning a multi-stakeholder dialogue expected to bring together government officials, unions, community health workers, and development partners to discuss pathways toward formalisation and improved support for CHWs.

Stakeholders have said that the dialogue could also serve as a platform for the official launch of the Community Health Workers Association of Zambia.

PSI has reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and stakeholders to advance the recognition, organisation, and formalisation of community health workers in Zambia.

And CHWAZ has also called for strengthened collaboration between government, health sector actors, and development partners in advancing the recognition and formalisation of community health workers in Zambia.

The appeal comes as discussions intensify around improving the working conditions, organisation, and professional recognition of community health workers who play a critical role in delivering primary healthcare services across the country.

CHWAZ urged the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to actively participate in the engagement process, which is expected to focus on practical and visible steps to strengthen both the health workforce and service delivery.

They emphasised that when community health workers are properly recognised and supported, they are better able to serve their communities effectively. They further noted that organised and empowered health workers can contribute meaningfully to shaping solutions within the health system.

Stakeholders have described the recognition of community health workers as a shared priority and a strategic opportunity to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

Public Services International (PSI) has reaffirmed its commitment to working in partnership with government institutions and other stakeholders to advance the recognition, organisation, and formalisation of community health workers in Zambia.

The organisation says sustained collaboration is key to building a stronger, more resilient health workforce capable of meeting the country’s growing healthcare needs.