They have an invaluable impact on the community

Community health workers (CHWs) are making an impactful difference in the lives of young and old in residential neighbourhoods within the George municipal boundaries, including Uniondale.

- Alida de Beer

George Herald had a tiny peek into what their work involves - from supporting the downcast with a kind word, giving a warm embrace to an elderly person or educating the uninformed about preventive healthcare, to handing out adult nappies, dressing wounds and trying to convince some patients to stick to their chronic meds.

They visit homes, workplaces and community spaces to give advice, do checkups, give treatment for things like HIV and TB, and offer advice on nutrition, family planning, pregnancy and child health. They also do referrals for psychological counselling.

All CHWs in the George municipal area are managed by three local nonprofit organisations (NPOs) that act as managing agencies for Western Cape Government Health and Wellness (WCGHW), which funds the service under the umbrella of its Integrated Health and Wellness Package.