Training and retaining Shasthyo Shebika: reasons for turnover of community health workers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Shasthyo Shebikas (SS) are community health workers forming the core of BRAC's Essential Health Care (EHC) programme. The SS dropout was 44 percent for study area and 32 percent for EHC programme. The SS discontinued their work due to lack of time, lack of "profit", and family's disapproval. The effects of the dropouts were decreased achievement of targets, and a loss of money in the amount of $24 (U.S.) per dropout SS for their training and supervision. The SS retention may increase if EHC strictly adheres to its existing guidelines when selecting trainees, and if it highlights during SS training that SS; s first and foremost role will be as that of a volunteer and then of a salesperson.