 Despite the potential benefits of community health systems, they have not been widely adopted in high-income countries due to several key barriers. These include a lack of interest among policymakers, professionals, and the public, as well as a lack of institutional support and a failure to adopt a holistic approach to healthcare. Additionally, funding models that emphasize curative services over preventive measures and professional domination of the healthcare system have also contributed to their limited success. To overcome these challenges, governments must take steps to create a more favourable policy environment, while healthcare providers should work together with communities to develop a more integrated and inclusive approach to healthcare. This article was authored by Fran Baum and Toby Freeman.