Community Health Exchange Program (CHEP)
The Community Health Exchange Program (CHEP) is a public health initiative to train and advance Village Health Attendants (VHAs) throughout the Pacific.
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 the Pacific 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.
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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 behaviors, basic curative care, and referrals to higher-level facilities.
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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.
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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.