Voices from the Frontline: Mental Health Realities of CHWs in Kenya’s Evolving Health System- Findings from a Qualitative Study

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital in bridging informal and formal health systems, enhancing access to underserved populations. Despite their essential roles, they often contend with heavy workloads, limited structured support, and inconsistent compensation. While existing research has focused on their responsibilities, few studies have examined their lived experiences, particularly on their mental well-being (MWB). This multinational collaborative study seeks to explore CHWs’ personal and work experiences and how these infl uence their mental well-being in urban and rural settings. The fi ndings will support the co-design of context-specifi c interventions and inform policy recommendations.