This study looked at how pairing male and female village health volunteers in remote Lao communities affects maternal health outreach. In areas where most CHWs are men, women often feel uncomfortable discussing pregnancy and childbirth with them. The paired model allowed female volunteers to support mothers directly, while male volunteers engaged husbands and community leaders. … [Read more...] about Working in pairs: male-female village health volunteers supporting maternal health and community engagement in remote and ethnic communities of Lao PDR-a qualitative study
Laos
Effect of trust in village health workers on the use of facility-based follow-up postnatal care services in two districts in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
In Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), despite high rates of antenatal care and facility births, only 19% of mothers return for follow-up postnatal care. This study found that mothers who had high trust in village health volunteers were over 12 times more likely to seek follow-up care. Key factors that helped included having an older baby and getting immediate care … [Read more...] about Effect of trust in village health workers on the use of facility-based follow-up postnatal care services in two districts in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Prospects for the development of community-based care in remote rural areas: a stakeholder analysis in Laos
Despite progress towards universal health coverage, many rural communities lack access to healthcare. In Laos, community-based health programs aim to address this issue by involving lay health workers (LHWs) as CHWs. This study explored the challenges and opportunities for expanding these programs. Interviews with stakeholders revealed barriers such as geographic … [Read more...] about Prospects for the development of community-based care in remote rural areas: a stakeholder analysis in Laos
Perspectives of health and community stakeholders on community-delivered models of malaria elimination in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A qualitative study
The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives, knowledge, and inputs of key health stakeholders and community members in southern Lao PDR on community-delivered malaria service models in order to refine the role of village health volunteers in malaria elimination and primary healthcare. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with multi-level health … [Read more...] about Perspectives of health and community stakeholders on community-delivered models of malaria elimination in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A qualitative study
Community Health Workers: what do international studies tell us?
The objective of this review was to understand the current literature on Community Health Worker (CHW) programs worldwide by identifying the following components: nomenclatures, practices, training, and working conditions. In highlighting the similarities and differences between programs, this review serves to better inform managers and decision-makers in regards to … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: what do international studies tell us?