Readiness and implications for adopting digitized payment of community health workers: a qualitative study of Benin and Uganda

Although Benin and Uganda are at relatively different levels of readiness to adopt DHP, both countries reported similar experiences. Both countries have embraced DHP with positive policies, but major challenges remain in systems, digital knowledge and infrastructure. The two countries are transitioning to digital economy, which requires integration, interoperability and digitization of PHC and DHP. Common and harmonized systems for PHC financing need to be set up. As a major workforce in PHC, a deliberate effort is needed to improve CHWs motivation and performance through commensurate, safe and timely payments. Each country should design a manual to guide the adoption and operationalization of DHPs nationwide.