Supporting bangaray health workers
Barangays are the smallest local government units in the Philippines. Barangay health workers are trained community volunteers who provide frontline health information and services within these communities. Most are women.
They educate families about health, support maternal and child health services, monitor household health concerns, promote disease prevention, and connect people with health facilities. Despite their essential role, many barangay health workers have limited access to ongoing training and professional support.
CARE launched the HEAL Hub Project in February 2024, with support from Takeda Pharmeceuticals, to make training more accessible to barangay health workers.
How the HEAL Hub Project works
The project combines in-person instruction with self-paced digital learning. Barangay health workers receive Android phones and complete a seven-hour virtual onboarding session before using the HEAL Hub app. The mobile learning app, built on Dimagi’s CommCare platform, provides modules on:
- Maternal and child health
- Family planning
- Pandemic preparedness
- Cancer prevention and early navigation
The app works offline and is available in English and Filipino. Lessons include videos, quizzes, visual aids, and digital badges.
CARE and the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center also provide ongoing coaching through monitoring visits and a dedicated Facebook group where health workers can ask questions and share experiences.
Training designed for local communities
The HEAL Hub project is designed to address barriers that can prevent frontline health workers from accessing training, including limited internet connectivity and difficulty around attending centralized, in-person learning sessions. Through the app, bangaray health workers can complete lessons at their own pace and revisit information if needed.
CARE developed and adapted the training with local partners to better meet the needs of the communities bangaray health workers are already serving. The project also aligns with the Philippine Department of Health priorities for strengthening community-based primary healthcare.