From the Front Lines to the Global Stage: Community Health Workers Demand Recognition and Reform

The Global Lifeline of Community Health Workers

Each day, more than 4.7 million community health workers (CHWs) worldwide travel millions of miles to ensure that billions of people receive essential health care. In urban and rural settings, across both developing and developed countries, they form the first line of a health system. Through trust, local knowledge, compassion, and sheer determination, CHWs reach the most remote, excluded, and marginalized people, connecting them to lifesaving care. In conflict settings, they can be literally on the front lines and the only health actors able to provide much-needed services.

The Paradox: Essential but Undervalued

Despite their critical contributions, CHWs are too often marginalized by the health systems they sustain. Many remain unrecognized, unpaid, under-supported, and undersupplied. Yet they continue their work out of a profound sense of responsibility toward their communities.

A Rising Movement for Recognition and Rights

This is beginning to change. Around the world, CHWs are organizing, networking, and advocating for fair treatment. They seek professional recognition, fair compensation, adequate supplies, and meaningful support from the health systems that depend on their work.

A Global Gathering for Change

From November 12–14, 2025, more than 300 CHWs from around the world gathered online at the 4th International Community Health Workers Symposium, organized by Community Partners International together with the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, and Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Over 400 allies – researchers, health innovators and funders, policymakers, and private-sector partners – joined them. The assembled participants represented 68 countries across six continents.

Celebrating Contributions, Tackling Challenges

Across three plenaries and more than 60 sessions, the Symposium highlighted the immense contributions of CHWs to universal health coverage, health equity, and health system strengthening. Participants explored one central question: How can we support CHWs to create equitable health systems amid mounting global crises and shrinking foreign aid?

CHWs and allies shared lived experiences, community needs, research insights, and program innovations. They celebrated progress, examined challenges, and reflected on the realities of working in contexts shaped by funding constraints, climate change, conflicts, and geopolitical uncertainty. They also explored the alliances and actions needed to sustain and strengthen CHWs globally.

Introducing the Bangkok Call to Action

Emerging from this vibrant exchange was the Bangkok Call to Action, a powerful statement urging global leaders to renew and reinforce their commitment to CHWs. It calls for urgent, coordinated action to:

• Prioritize, professionalize, and integrate CHWs into national health policies and systems.
• Reinforce the power of CHWs to steward the health system, foster inclusion, and build trust in contexts of conflict, crisis, and exclusion.
• Secure and align financing to sustain high-quality community health programs.
• Leverage technology and innovation that empowers CHWs, promotes equity, and drives evidence-based decision-making.

> Read the full text of the Bangkok Call to Action

A Future Built on Collective Strength

The energy, insight, and optimism brought by CHWs and allies throughout the Symposium are a powerful reminder: together, we hold the keys to a healthier and more equitable future.