This brief looks at how community health workers (CHWs) support adolescent health in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on over 60 studies, it shows that CHWs; both peers and adults; can effectively improve mental health, HIV care, and sexual and reproductive health. It highlights what works best for reaching adolescents, building trust, protecting confidentiality, and addressing … [Read more...] about Harnessing Community Health Workers to Improve Adolescent Health and Well-being in Africa
Africa
Accelerating community health worker programmes: a key priority of the Global Health Initiatives for the operationalisation of the Lusaka Agenda in Africa
Community health workers are vital to primary healthcare in Africa and play a key role during health emergencies. However, many CHW programs struggle because of weak coordination, short-term funding, and partners working separately. The Lusaka Agenda offers a chance for governments, donors, and health organizations to work together under a shared plan, budget, and tracking … [Read more...] about Accelerating community health worker programmes: a key priority of the Global Health Initiatives for the operationalisation of the Lusaka Agenda in Africa
Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Hypertension and diabetes are major challenges in low-income areas, where many people lack diagnosis or care. In Lesotho, a program showed that community health workers (CHWs) using a tablet-based tool can effectively screen for these conditions. Scaling up is challenging, as many CHWs lack pay, training, and support, and adding tasks can strain them. Careful integration, CHW … [Read more...] about Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
In rural Lesotho, community health workers (CHWs) used a tablet-based clinical decision support app to screen adults for hypertension and diabetes, reaching high coverage at moderate costs. Over 6 months, CHWs screened 88% of eligible adults for hypertension and 95% for diabetes. The cost per person screened was $41 in the project model and $17 in a routine implementation … [Read more...] about Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
Involvement of community health workers in antimicrobial stewardship interventions and programmes: a scoping review
This review looked at how community health workers help promote responsible antibiotic use in several countries across Africa and Asia. The studies showed that CHWs support infection prevention, help identify common illnesses, give health education, and in some cases prescribe antibiotics correctly when allowed. Their work led to better awareness of antibiotic resistance and … [Read more...] about Involvement of community health workers in antimicrobial stewardship interventions and programmes: a scoping review