Investments in health and hope
Community health workers are at the heart of UNICEF’s work to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines.
Every child, no matter where they live, has a right to the best health care possible.
At the heart of this work, community health workers play a vital role in connecting with families. Whether travelling by foot, boat, caravan or motorcycle, community health workers are reaching children with life-saving vaccines and essential health services in some of the most remote and difficult conditions.
UNICEF, supported by its partners, is investing in community health systems around the world. From comprehensive training for community health workers to future-proofing vaccine supply chains, these programmes and investments help to improve global health equity, strengthen gender-sensitive health care and build resiliency for the future.
Explore five stories of those working to reach some of the world’s most remote children:
Colombia
In Colombia, a community health worker with deep roots in Wayuu, an indigenous community in the far north of the country, works tirelessly to combat vaccine hesitancy and reach children with life-saving vaccines. Despite the difficult conditions, her strong relationships with local leaders, mothers and families help her to bring better health and brighter futures to the people of her region.
Read Esperanza's road: A tale of hope in La Guajira.
India
In India, dedicated community health workers travel difficult terrains, often wading through floodwaters or using boats, to deliver vaccines to children in remote villages. A vital part of the supply chain, community health workers connect deeply with the families they serve, providing vaccines and essential care to the most vulnerable, including pregnant women and young children.
Read Alternate vaccine delivery reaches India’s most climate vulnerable district.
Morocco
In Morocco, the Caravan of Change project is leveraging the power of youth to reach remote areas with essential health services and information. A mobile health unit travels from town to town, connecting with families and combatting vaccine hesitancy. Central to this work is a goal to increase equitable access to vaccines and reinforce gender-sensitive healthcare, including water, sanitation and hygiene.
Read Caravan of change.
Myanmar
In Myanmar, amid escalating conflict and insecurity, access to critical health services has become increasingly challenging. Yet, community health workers are breaking barriers to reach children with lifesaving vaccines. Through their relentless efforts, they are addressing vaccine hesitancy and providing essential health information, fostering trust and ensuring healthier futures for the children in their communities.
Read Breaking barriers.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, efforts to integrate vaccines into primary healthcare and to train community health workers in a human-centered approach is having a positive impact on families. By understanding the unique difficulties and motivations faced by families in Ukraine, health care workers are addressing vaccine hesitancy and preparing families for future health challenges.
Read Doctors and parents team up to improve vaccination in Ukraine.
Support from the Government of Canada played a crucial role in each of these stories, ensuring strengthened health systems, future resiliency and improved outcomes for women and children around the world.
