Career and Recognition of Community Health Professionals Graduated from Alioune Diop University in Bambey (Senegal)

Introduction: Constituting a new body to contribute to improving the health of populations, community health professionals trained at Alioune Diop University in Bambey (Senegal) must integrate into a medicalized health system where curative medicine occupies a place preponderant. Objectives: to appreciate the level of understanding of the concept of community health and the challenge of integrating graduates in community health into the health care system. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted from February 1 to April 15, 2020, targeting community health professionals and employers. Two tools were used: semi-structured interviews for employers and the focus group for community health professionals. Results: Community health professionals are assimilated by healthcare professionals and by patients to community health workers, although the latter have no professional qualification. The actions used by employers are more akin to public health than to community health. Community health professionals reported the existence of jurisdictional conflicts within the core team of the medical region or health district. The community health professionals greatly appreciated the establishment of the community health program, which according to it should be extended to hospitals and urban populations. Moreover, they would like their recruitment into the public service to strengthen the human resources of the health system. Conclusion: Recommendations have been formulated for an appropriation of this concept by healthcare professionals and decision-makers.