This review looked at the main challenges affecting Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program and its health extension workers. It found that workers face heavy workloads, limited training, poor working and living conditions, lack of resources, weak supervision, and difficulties using digital tools. The program also struggles because communities often expect more treatment services, … [Read more...] about Mapping multilevel barriers impacting the performance of Ethiopia’s Community-Based Health Extension Program: A scoping review
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Driving NCD screening at scale: outcomes of a digital, CHW-led hypertension surveillance program in rural Rwanda
This study examined how Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Rwanda used blood pressure monitors and a mobile app to screen people for high blood pressure. Between 2023 and 2024, CHWs screened nearly 500,000 people, and about 63,000 were found to have high blood pressure and referred to health facilities. However, only 7.2% of those referred completed the referral, and nearly … [Read more...] about Driving NCD screening at scale: outcomes of a digital, CHW-led hypertension surveillance program in rural Rwanda
Retention and attrition of community health volunteers in rural Malawi; a mixed-methods study
This study in Malawi looked at what helps community health volunteers stay in their roles and what causes them to leave. Among nearly 2,900 volunteers, only about 10% had left the program over four years. Volunteers were more likely to stay when they received financial or other incentives, had opportunities to learn from other volunteers, worked in smaller areas, and could take … [Read more...] about Retention and attrition of community health volunteers in rural Malawi; a mixed-methods study
Understanding Maternal Nutrition Through the Voices of Community Health Workers and Mother Mentors in Limpopo Province, South Africa
This study in Limpopo, South Africa explored what community health workers and mother mentors know and experience when supporting pregnant women with healthy nutrition. Interviews with 45 workers found that they understood the importance of good nutrition but faced challenges such as cultural beliefs, poverty, limited resources, misinformation, and concerns about pregnancy … [Read more...] about Understanding Maternal Nutrition Through the Voices of Community Health Workers and Mother Mentors in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Assessing Community Health Workers’ Experiences with Digital Rehabilitation: Usability, Barriers, and Implementation Needs in Primary Care Settings
This study explored how Community Health Workers in Rwanda and Kenya experienced using a digital rehabilitation app to support people with common muscle and joint problems. Overall, CHWs found the app easy to use and helpful for their work, and many felt it strengthened their skills and confidence. However, challenges such as limited access to smartphones, poor internet … [Read more...] about Assessing Community Health Workers’ Experiences with Digital Rehabilitation: Usability, Barriers, and Implementation Needs in Primary Care Settings