Community health workers to receive stipend

South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has recommended that community health workers be paid a minimum stipend of R1,000 (US $152) per month for their services. At the launch of the community health workers' programme in the North West Province this week the minister said although the stipend was humble, it would invigorate community health workers "to continue rendering this crucial service". The Department of Health will provide grants to NGOs to employ community health workers through the programme. "Community health workers will be employed by organisations in civil society and will not be government employees," stressed Tshabalala-Msimang. Health workers will continue to work in their local communities and visit households, interact with community members, determine what health or other services are needed and co-ordinate efforts to make these services available. There are an estimated 40,000 individuals in this sector country-wide. Tshabalala-Msimang said their recognition was essential, "since health workers play a unique role in promoting health and improving health services in the country."