Performance of female volunteer community health workers in Dhaka urban slums

► Financial incentives were mainly linked to level of activity of female volunteer CHWs in Dhaka urban slums. ► Restructuring and expansion of financial incentives can strengthen their motivation and participation in service delivery. ► Social prestige and positive community feedback were important non-financial factors associated with their activity level. ► A combination of financial and non-financial incentives can be used to improve level of activity of the volunteer CHWs.