A study in Tanzania showed that community health workers (CHWs) can play a big role in preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease when they are well-trained, confident, and have the right tools. In the Philippines, barangay health workers (BHWs) face similar challenges; limited training, lack of equipment, and little involvement in … [Read more...] about Strengthening Community Health Workers’ Role in Noncommunicable Disease Prevention: Lessons From Tanzania for the Philippine Public Health System
Philippines
Embracing Self-Compassion: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of Community Health Workers Providing Basic Psychosocial Support in an Urban Setting
This study explored how community health workers (CHWs) in the Philippines practice self-compassion while dealing with personal and emotional challenges. Through interviews with nine CHWs, the research found that being kind to themselves, staying self-aware, and drawing strength from spirituality and social connections helped them stay resilient. Family support and faith played … [Read more...] about Embracing Self-Compassion: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of Community Health Workers Providing Basic Psychosocial Support in an Urban Setting
Digital health for Barangay Health Workers: a mixed-methods baseline assessment in Quezon, Philippines
In Quezon, Philippines, Barangay Health Workers are trusted and essential to community health but face low pay, limited training, and weak support systems. A study involving surveys and interviews found most workers own phones but need digital skills training. CARE is developing the HEAL Hub, a digital platform to help them with tasks like referrals and disease tracking. For … [Read more...] about Digital health for Barangay Health Workers: a mixed-methods baseline assessment in Quezon, Philippines
Community health worker contributions to climate resilient health systems: A qualitative study of how community health workers navigate extreme weather events in the Philippines
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) in the Philippines experience and respond to extreme weather events. Interviews with 51 CHWs showed that their community and household roles influence how they prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Many saw chances to play a stronger role in helping their communities but needed more training and resources. … [Read more...] about Community health worker contributions to climate resilient health systems: A qualitative study of how community health workers navigate extreme weather events in the Philippines
Resilience, ingenuity, and identity: A multi-level analysis of the Filipino community health worker experience in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines
This study explored the experiences of community health workers (CHWs) in rural and remote areas of the Philippines. Through focus group discussions with 34 CHWs, researchers found that their roles go beyond providing health services, often requiring them to navigate political challenges and limited resources. CHWs relied on their skills, social networks, and organizational … [Read more...] about Resilience, ingenuity, and identity: A multi-level analysis of the Filipino community health worker experience in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines