During the COVID-19 pandemic, community health workers in Africa have courageously worked to deliver lifesaving care and maintain essential health services for populations most in need. However, the persistent challenges they face continue to grow in scale, complexity and urgency. In many countries, primary healthcare is driven largely by health workers—especially community health workers—who are often the first and only link between communities and health systems. Now more than ever, health workers must be adequately supported in order to foster healthy communities and cultivate resilient health systems.
That’s why the Johnson & Johnson Foundation is proud to support The Global Fund’s creation of the Africa Frontline First Catalytic Fund (AFF-CF) with a $15 million commitment over three years. Building on more than 125 years of supporting health workers, our support to this fund will convene governments, political champions and experts in 10 countries across Africa to build high-functioning, resilient, country-led community health service delivery. Its goal is to create an expanded and professionalized workforce of community health workers across the 10 countries by 2030.
The launch of AFF-CF is part of the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation’s 10-year, $250-million commitment to support one million nurses, midwives and community health workers by 2030. The case is simple and proven: "If we solve the challenges facing health workers, we will improve healthcare for everyone."