South Asian Community health workers unite

Community health worker (CHW) union leaders from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have launched a new initiative to strengthen the CHW movement across South Asia. Backed by UNI Global Union and the SAGE Fund, the project aims to help CHWs improve working conditions, formalize employment and secure their rights as workers.

The launch was hosted by the Government Midwifery Service Association (GMSA), Sri Lanka’s largest women’s healthcare union, in Colombo, and the gathering provided a platform for CHW leaders to exchange experiences, strategize campaign plans and participate in workshops to build their organizing and training capacity.

By coming together, unions will grow their power through organizing for strong, democratic and independent women-led unions, expanding federation networks, and advocating for structural labour reforms. Their campaign will shift attitudes to make clear that community health work is work, and that these workers are not volunteers, deserving of fair wages, social protections and the right to collective bargaining.

“Community Health Workers are the backbone of healthcare systems across South Asia, yet they continue to face precarious conditions. This initiative is a crucial step toward securing their rights, strengthening their unions, and ensuring they are treated as essential workers, not just volunteers,”  Rajendra Acharya, Regional Secretary of UNI Global Union Asia & Pacific.

Devika Kodithuwakku, President of GMSA Sri Lanka, emphasized solidarity, saying, “Our union has great strength, and we share that strength with other trade unions.”

Kopila of Hevon Nepal stressed the need for formal recognition: “For years, we have cared for our communities without expecting anything in return. Now, with UNI and the SAGE Fund, we are fighting for the recognition we deserve.”

Bushra Arain of ALPU Pakistan described the initiative as a milestone for Lady Health Workers, stating, “This project strengthens our fight for fair wages, better working conditions and the recognition we deserve.”

Afshan Babar of PCHWU Pakistan highlighted this, stating, “Training today shapes the leaders of tomorrow. When health workers grow, communities thrive.”

With this project, UNI Global Union and its partners are committed to transforming the landscape for CHWs in South Asia, amplifying their voices, advancing their rights and strengthening the broader labour movement.