South Africa

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

This study explored how Community Health Workers (CHWs) in rural South Africa could play a stronger role in the tuberculosis (TB) response. Through working closely with CHWs, the researchers found that TB stigma, limited training, unsafe working conditions, and unfair pay were major challenges. CHWs developed community activities and advocacy efforts that helped improve … [Read more...] about Empowering community health workers as local and national tuberculosis champions in South Africa using participatory action research: insights from the UseMyVoice project

This review found that community health workers play an important role in helping people use digital health services by teaching patients, supporting the use of digital tools, and connecting communities with the health system. Although they face challenges such as limited digital skills, poor internet access, and technical difficulties, they overcome many of these through peer … [Read more...] about Bridging Digital Health Literacy Gaps in South Africa’s Community Health Centers: A Scoping Review on the Role and Capacity of Community Health Workers

This study explored how communities and healthcare workers in a malaria-endemic area of South Africa view malaria prevention and control. It found that most people understood how malaria is spread, but some misconceptions and inconsistent prevention practices remained. Community health workers were an important source of health information, while healthcare workers faced … [Read more...] about Community and healthcare worker contributions to malaria prevention: a culturally tailored behaviour change approach in Jozini, South Africa

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