Participation of Community Relays (Commuty Health Worker) in the Operation of a Health Area: Case of the Ruashi Health District in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: A community relay (community health worker) is a person living in the community and serving as a bridge between the health system and the community. It constitutes an essential element in strengthening the health system. The objective is to contribute to improving the well-being of the population with the full participation of community relays in a sustainable and equitable manner through the development and perpetuation of community participation. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive case study on the participation of community relays in the operation of a health area, in the Ruashi health district in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study was carried out during the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Result: The majority of community relays were female; The age group between 40 and 49 (28%) was mainly represented; in 52% of cases, the community relays were married couples; the level of complete secondary education represents 36%; Only 4% of community relays had participated in micro-planning; in 48% of cases, the community relays had participated in at least one training and the training theme in which the community relays participated concerned tuberculosis. Conclusion: Training as well as the involvement of relays in the activities of the health district guarantee security for improving the state of health of the community. Home visits are so important that it is imperative that community relays be encouraged to carry them out so that the health system is able to respond effectively to the provision of care.