Children in the Middle East and North Africa would be better served by community health programs if they were properly funded and included in national health systems, according to a new UNICEF report launched today.

Community-based primary health care is the cornerstone of a strong, sustainable and equitable health system on the pathway to universal health coverage. The community health workers who deliver services, such as vaccination, antenatal and postnatal care, screening children for severe malnutrition, hygiene and sanitation are primarily female volunteers who act as a bridge between vulnerable families and the health and nutrition services they need.

A UNICEF analysis of community health in 12 countries[1] and one subnational setting[2] found that far more could be done to support community health systems and workers and improve health outcomes for children.

Of the 12 countries analysed, only four reported providing domestic funding for community health and only five countries reported recognition of community health workers as part of the national health workforce.

“Community-based health care is massively underfunded in the Middle East and North Africa,” said UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder.

“Despite this, these front-line health-care workers – mostly women – are delivering vital health and nutrition services that save lives. As trusted members of the community, they understand the community’s values and the challenges it faces. They must be better supported, paid and recognized for this important work.”