In San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala, many women face barriers to cervical cancer screening. This project trained community health workers (CHWs) to educate women and distribute HPV self-swab kits. Samples were collected at home, tested in a lab, and women with positive results received free follow-up care, including same-day treatment for early cases. From February to November … [Read more...] about Development of a Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Guatemala
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Navigating double burden Community health workers in rural Dominican Republic living and working through the epidemiologic transition
In rural Dominican Republic, community health workers (CHWs) are dealing with both infectious diseases and rising non-communicable diseases at the same time. In interviews, CHWs said they see themselves as leaders improving community health, but their work has become harder. Their roles have grown, yet they face low pay, heavy workloads, and added pressure due to gender … [Read more...] about Navigating double burden Community health workers in rural Dominican Republic living and working through the epidemiologic transition
Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) helped improve malaria detection in the Dominican Republic. Normally, regular health data isn't enough to show if malaria has stopped spreading, especially when cases are low. By adding CHW data to the system, more areas could confidently be shown to be free of malaria, and for longer periods. The study found that CHW … [Read more...] about Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
This study assessed how community health workers (CHWs) improved malaria detection in the Dominican Republic. Using a statistical method (Freedom from Infection, FFI), researchers combined routine health data with CHW data from 33 facilities (2018–2022). Without CHW data, only 52% of facilities could confirm being malaria-free for about 13 months. Adding CHW data increased this … [Read more...] about Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
Bridging the Gap: Community Health Workers as a Vital Link in Humanitarian Medical Responses
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in emergency medical responses, helping build trust, improve communication, and provide follow-up care. Case studies from The Bahamas and Sierra Leone show that integrating CHWs into Mobile Medical Teams (MMTs) boosts health outcomes, with Sierra Leone seeing a 32% increase in health referrals. This approach highlights the … [Read more...] about Bridging the Gap: Community Health Workers as a Vital Link in Humanitarian Medical Responses