This thesis shows how community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in keeping healthcare services running during crises like epidemics, natural disasters, and political instability. Through case studies from Sierra Leone and the Bahamas, it highlights how CHWs maintain care, build trust, and bridge gaps between communities and health systems. The research identifies key … [Read more...] about Overcoming Barriers: The Essential Role of Community Health Workers in Humanitarian Responses
Sierra Leone
Enhancing Investments in Primary Health Care for the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage in Sierra Leone (Policy Brief)
How can Sierra Leone reduce high out-of-pocket health costs and ensure that all citizens can access essential care without financial hardship? What innovative financing mechanisms are needed to deliver on the country’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage? And how can coordination between government stakeholders and partners drive lasting impact? This policy brief, … [Read more...] about Enhancing Investments in Primary Health Care for the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage in Sierra Leone (Policy Brief)
Community health workers role in combating public health emergencies lessons from Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has faced major health crises like Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox, which revealed how weak the health system is. Community Health Workers (CHWs) have played a key role in reaching people in remote areas, helping with contact tracing, public education, and keeping health services going. However, they face challenges like poor training, low pay, lack of supplies, and not … [Read more...] about Community health workers role in combating public health emergencies lessons from Sierra Leone
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
Feasibility and challenges in sustaining a community based surveillance system in post-Ebola Sierra Leone
Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) systems help detect and report diseases early in outbreak-prone areas. After the Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone trained community health workers (CHWs) to monitor 11 key health conditions. A 2019 study found that CBS matched disease reports from health facilities in functional areas, improving early detection. However, challenges like funding … [Read more...] about Feasibility and challenges in sustaining a community based surveillance system in post-Ebola Sierra Leone