South Africa

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 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

This study found that community health workers in South Africa already help connect communities with health services, social support programs, and local leaders, even though this role is often not officially recognized. The researchers argue that community health workers should be better supported and included in health system planning because they can help coordinate services … [Read more...] about Repositioning Community Health Workers as Boundary Spanners: A Realist-Informed Theory of Change for Integrated People-Centred Care in South Africa

This study explored how community health workers help make health care more people-centered in South Africa. It found that trust, motivation, and feeling valued and supported are key factors that help community health workers perform well. These factors work together, and when health system strategies are aligned and supportive, community health workers can provide better care … [Read more...] about Reconceptualizing integrated people-centred health services: Towards a mechanism-sensitive model using realist evaluation