Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Evaluating the outcomes of a community-based health literacy intervention for hypertension and diabetes in Harare, Zimbabwe: a cluster randomized controlled trial

This study in Harare, Zimbabwe tested whether community health workers could help people with diabetes and high blood pressure better manage their conditions. Six clinics were involved, with over 600 patients split into two groups. One group received education sessions and monthly home visits for six months, while the other received usual care. People who got support from … [Read more...] about Evaluating the outcomes of a community-based health literacy intervention for hypertension and diabetes in Harare, Zimbabwe: a cluster randomized controlled trial

This study found that a community health worker-led education program could help women in rural South Africa detect and seek treatment for breast cancer earlier, leading to better health outcomes and fewer deaths. The program was especially effective in reducing differences in survival between rural and urban women and between Black and non-Black women. It was also found to be … [Read more...] about Equity impact and cost-effectiveness of a community health worker breast cancer educational programme in rural South Africa: a modelling study

This study found that community health workers in South Africa already help connect communities with health services, social support programs, and local leaders, even though this role is often not officially recognized. The researchers argue that community health workers should be better supported and included in health system planning because they can help coordinate services … [Read more...] about Repositioning Community Health Workers as Boundary Spanners: A Realist-Informed Theory of Change for Integrated People-Centred Care in South Africa

This study adapted a nutrition education program for adolescents and young adults in rural Uganda using input from young people, parents, community health workers, and local leaders. The final program used simple visual materials and community health worker-led household sessions to teach healthy eating and improve nutrition knowledge. The study shows that working closely with … [Read more...] about Systematic adaptation of a visual-aided adolescent nutrition intervention from peri-urban Burkina Faso for rural Uganda using intervention mapping

This study explored how community health workers help make health care more people-centered in South Africa. It found that trust, motivation, and feeling valued and supported are key factors that help community health workers perform well. These factors work together, and when health system strategies are aligned and supportive, community health workers can provide better care … [Read more...] about Reconceptualizing integrated people-centred health services: Towards a mechanism-sensitive model using realist evaluation