Community Health Exchange Program (CHEP)
"Leaving no one behind is everybody's business."
PNG National Health Plan
The Community Health Exchange Program (CHEP) is a public health initiative to train and advance Village Health Attendants (VHAs) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). With a focus on improving the health and well-being of Papua New Guineans, ensuring no one is left behind, this initiative aims to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by Papua New Guineans and their communities.
This initiative addresses workforce shortages, educates and empowers young individuals and nurtures them into local advocates capable of implementing impactful transformations. Through this initiative, we strive to mitigate the risk factors contributing to chronic health conditions and foster a healthier community.
We know that PNG faces significant healthcare challenges, including limited access to quality healthcare services, low healthcare workforce density, and high disease burden. These challenges are further exacerbated by geographical barriers, cultural diversity, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, especially in rural and remote areas.
We also understand that Village Health Attendants (VHAs) play a vital role in bridging the gap between communities and formal healthcare systems. They are trusted members of the community who possess local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and linguistic skills. VHAs can provide a range of essential healthcare services, including health education, disease prevention, promotion of healthy behaviours, basic curative care, and referrals to higher-level facilities.
The Community Health Exchange Program (CHEP) sits under the 'Health Islands' model with a focus on supporting existing health promotion and public health programs, providing opportunities for existing Community Health Workers (CHWs) through training opportunities, skill development, and access to essential resources.
The Community Health Exchange Program (CHEP) places high value on training the next generation of VHAs who can become local health champions, deliver quality public health programs, advocate for community health needs, provide health education to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease and promote health equity in rural and remote communities within Papua New Guinea.
We encourage organisations to join us in supporting the Community Health Exchange Program. Together, we can make a significant difference in implementing effective changes that reduce the prevalence of chronic health conditions in Papua New Guinea.
Partner with us today to create a healthier future for our communities.
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