Rural Health Development Project: A Way Forward in the Northern Province

The Rural Health Development – A Way Forward to Northern Province project is a community-centered initiative designed to strengthen primary healthcare services across Northern Sri Lanka. By training and deploying Community Health Workers (CHWs), the project supports Public Health Midwives (PHMs) and improves access to essential healthcare services at the community level.

Implemented by the Centre for Digital Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, and funded by the International Medical Health Organization (IMHO), the initiative responds to the shortage of primary healthcare providers and the growing burden of chronic illnesses in the Northern Province.

The project currently engages 25 trained Community Health Workers across the region to expand preventive care, strengthen local health systems, and enhance community well-being.

Our Objectives

  • Recruit and train 25 Community Health Workers to assist Public Health Midwives in maternal, child, and family health services

  • Improve access to primary healthcare at the community level

  • Strengthen preventive healthcare through outreach and education

  • Promote community engagement through structured programs and home visits

  • Develop a sustainable and cost-effective community health model for long-term rural health improvement

How We Work

The project began on 1st July 2025 with the recruitment of a Project Coordinator and 25 CHWs. Continuous on-the-job training and weekly capacity-building sessions are conducted by the Centre for Digital Epidemiology and the Centre of Digital Learning.

Each CHW is assigned to work alongside a PHM in their respective district. Their work includes:

Clinical & Field Support

  • Anthropometric measurements

  • Blood pressure and random blood sugar monitoring

  • Thriposha distribution

  • Vaccination support

  • Antenatal and postnatal home visits

  • Clinic documentation

Community Outreach & Engagement

  • Household surveys

  • Fertility support services

  • School health promotion programs

  • Medical camps

  • Elder care visits

  • Mothers’ Support Group income-generation activities

Monitoring and evaluation are carried out through weekly review meetings, supervision visits, and 360-degree feedback from CHWs, PHMs, and beneficiaries.

Current Impact

As of October 2025, all 25 CHWs are actively serving communities across Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Mullaitivu districts.

The project has:

  • Reduced workload pressures on PHMs

  • Expanded preventive healthcare coverage

  • Increased community awareness of nutrition and chronic disease prevention

  • Strengthened psychosocial support within families

  • Enhanced school health and medical outreach programs

During periods of heavy flooding, CHWs provided essential flood relief support to affected communities. They also organized Food Festivals in collaboration with Mothers’ Empowerment Groups in Jaffna and Mullaitivu, promoting income generation, community unity, and women’s empowerment.

Feedback from communities highlights improved health knowledge, better nutritional practices, and stronger trust in local health services. CHWs report increased confidence, professional growth, and meaningful community recognition.