Table 3 Advantages and disadvantages of DOH and NGO models of provision

• financial security

• CHWs easily become facility based

• aligns with NHI contracting models

• variable supervision and capacity

• personal job security

• curative oriented

• more responsive, innovative and efficient

• power dynamic between DOH and NGO unequal

• career paths & promotion

• barriers to entry, some excluded

• community ownership & identity

• CBS may not be their primary activity

• standardisation of roles

• massively increase the costs

• inter-sectoral action more feasible

• funding streams vulnerable in the current financial climate.

• easier to control

• CHWs would lose their community identify

• primary prevention focus

• better access to resources and supplies

• advocacy for particular issues

• continuity of care & integration

• history, credibility, & networks

• better alignment with the DoH outcomes

• lower transaction costs in managing contracts

• in-service training is easier