Community health workers programme in Luanda, Angola: an evaluation of the implementation process

BACKGROUND: The Community Health Workers (CHWs) Programme was launched in Luanda, Angola, in 2007 as an initiative of the provincial government. The aim of this study was to assess its implementation process. METHODS: This is a case study with documental analysis, CHWs reports data, individual interviews and focus groups. RESULTS: Until June 2009, the programme had placed in the community 2,548 trained CHWs, providing potential coverage for 261,357 families. Analysis of qualitative data suggested an association of CHWs with improvements in maternal and child access to health care, as well as an increase in the demand for health services, generating further need to improve service capacity. Nevertheless, critical points for programme sustainability were identified. CONCLUSIONS: For continuity and scaling up, the programme needs medium- and long-term technical, political and financial support. The results of this study may be useful in strengthening and reformulating the planning of the CHWs programme in Luanda and in Angola. Moreover, the lessons learned with this experience can also provide insight for the development of CHWs programmes in other parts of the world. By means of cooperation, Brazil has supported the implementation of this CHWs programme and can potentially contribute to its improvement. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1478-4491-12-68) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.