This book examines the present and future role of community health workers (CHW) as part of ongoing efforts to develop sustainable health systems and improve public health. Noting that many programs based on the use of community health workers have fallen short of initial expectations, the book draws on numerous evaluations conducted over the past three decades to identify problems, explore their roots, and propose concrete solutions. Information ranges from advice on the composition and functions of village health committees through a discussion of the effect of cost recovery programs on...