Salako highlighted that CHWs are central to health security, early disease detection, maternal and child health, and building resilient healthcare systems. He emphasized the need to expand training facilities, professionalize CHWs, create career progression pathways, and fully integrate them into national health systems.

Implications for Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs)
For CHEWs and other community health cadres in Nigeria, this development offers significant opportunities:

• Career Growth: CHEWs may see clearer advancement from junior to senior positions as CHWs are professionalized.

• Enhanced Training & Recognition: More training facilities and formal integration will improve skills, supervision, and recognition.

• Strategic Roles: CHEWs will increasingly connect communities to primary healthcare centers, strengthen disease surveillance, and deliver preventive care.

Challenges Ahead
Despite the commitment, practical challenges remain:

• Funding & Sustainability: Deploying two million CHWs requires consistent financing.

• State & Local Implementation: Success depends on how local governments integrate CHWs into service delivery.

• Career Ladder Realization: Policies must translate into actual promotions, contracts, and remuneration changes for CHEWs.

Looking Forward
Nigeria’s leadership in community health workforce expansion signals a promising future. CHEWs are encouraged to update their credentials, pursue professional development, and engage in continuous learning. Community health is becoming a recognized, sustainable career path rather than purely voluntary service.

Sources:

• Premium Times – Nigeria backs AU plan to deploy two million community health workers

• Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare Press Release – Nigeria backs African Union drive to scale up 2 million CHWs